Melbourne Victory have been asked to explain alleged homophobic comments made by their supporters after Football Australia issued the club with a Show Cause Notice.
Adelaide United's Josh Cavallo took to social media last week to reveal last Saturday night's A-League Men's match against Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park saw him subjected to abuse based around his sexuality.
Football Australia has decided to issue Victory with a Show Cause Notice, with the club's response to be considered before the governing body makes a determination.
Chief executive James Johnson spoke of his disappointment about the incident.
"Football Australia has today issued Melbourne Victory with a Show Cause Notice after receiving detailed information from Adelaide United player, Josh Cavallo, and others that relates to some Melbourne Victory supporters taking part in actions that fall well short of the safe, positive and inclusive values modelled by our sport,” Johnson said.
"I want to reiterate that this conduct is unwelcome in football. Everyone should be able to enjoy participating in our sport regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, ability or disability, cultural or religious background.
"I want to applaud Josh for his courage in calling out this behaviour. I also welcome the strong responses from Melbourne Victory, Adelaide United, the Australian Professional Leagues, and the broader football community towards this incident.
"Football Australia is committed to ensuring we provide an inclusive environment for all involved, whether on or off the field. These instances emphasise that as the most multicultural, diverse and inclusive sport in Australia, we must continue to do more to harness the power of football to promote social cohesion and inclusivity.”
"Football Australia will continue to work with the Australian Professional Leagues and Melbourne Victory to identify the individuals engaged in the conduct to ensure they are subject to bans from attending future football matches throughout Australia."
Cavallo made worldwide headlines in October 2021 when he publicly announced he was gay in an attempt to ensure other players don't feel the need to hide who they are.
Cavallo came on in the 54th minute against Victory and was forced off late in the game with concussion.
"I’m not going to pretend that I didn’t see or hear the homophobic abuse at the game last night. There are no words to tell you how disappointed I was," Cavallo wrote on Instagram.
"As a society this it shows we still face these problems in 2022. This shouldn’t be acceptable and we need to do more to hold this people accountable. Hate never will win.
"I will never apologise for living my truth and most recently who I am outside of football. To all the young people who have received homophobic abuse, hold your heads up high and keep chasing your dreams. Know that there is no place in the game for this.
"Football is a game for everyone no matter of who you are, what colour your skin is or where you come from.
"To @instagram I don’t want any child or adult to have to receive the hateful and hurtful messages that I’ve received. I knew truly being who I am that I was going to come across this. It’s a sad reality that your platforms are not doing enough to stop these messages.
"Thank you to all the positive messages, love and support from people all around the world, seeing that far outweighs the negativity.
"To the individuals that reached out after making a stand at the game. I commend you. Thank you to those fans, you had me emotional."
