Scots footballer Zander Murray concerned by ‘shockingly homophobic’ response to Iker Casillas ‘coming out’ Tweet
SCOTTISH footballer Zander Murray has spoken of his concern regarding what he's described as 'shockingly homophobic' responses to Iker Casillas' 'coming out' Tweet.
He also believes ex-Spain no.1 Casillas and ex-teammate Carles Puyol showed a clear lack of education surrounding the matter with their social media posts.
Murray, who publicly revealed he was gay last month, also revealed his concern at the message the situation - and the response to it - has sent out to young footballers who might be struggling with their own sexuality.
The ex-Spain goalkeeper Casillas has claimed his Twitter account was hacked after a post on his page said: "I hope you respect me. I'm gay."
He believes that Casillas and former international teammate Puyol, who responded to the Tweet, didn't deliberately intend to cause harm with their posts, but reckons they showed a clear 'lack of education.'
The comment remained on Casillas' page for over an hour before being deleted.
Puyol replied to the post saying: "It's time to tell our story, Iker," alongside a heart and kiss emoji.
The ex-Barcelona defender subsequently deleted his Tweet as well before he then apologised for what he described as a 'clumsy joke.'
He said: "I have made a mistake. Sorry for a clumsy joke with no bad intentions and totally out of place.
"I understand that it may have hurt sensitivities. All my respect and support for the LGTBIQA+ community."
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Despite Casillas' claims of being hacked, reports in Spain have suggested that his initial tweet could have been posted in response to rife magazine rumours about his post-divorce dating life.
However, after deleting his Tweet, he said: "Hacked account. Luckily everything in order. Apologies to all my followers. And of course, more apologies to the LGBT community."
The posts have been blasted in some quarters, with Australian star Josh Cavallo, who came out as gay last year, branding the players' actions as "beyond disrespectful."
Last month, Gala Fairydean striker Zander Murray became the first player in Scottish football's senior leagues to come out as gay.
In the wake of Casillas and Puyol's tweets, the 30-year old took to Twitter to have his own say on the matter.
Murray stated his dismay at the "shockingly homophobic" responses to the tweets and spoke of his concern surrounding the message it sends to footballers who are struggling with their own sexuality.
He also said the former Spanish internationals displayed a 'lack of education' around the issue.
The Scots striker said: "The majority of comments under Casillas' initial post were shockingly homophobic and highlights the global issues we are dealing with.
"What message does that give to younger/current footballers that are struggling with their sexuality!?
"I genuinely believe Casillas and Puyol never intended to hurt anyone.
"Puyol's response in holding his hands up - fair play. Although it's clear the lack of education both have around this matter.
"The bile and hatred being directed at the LGBTQIA+ community and players in responding sickens me.
"Yes, open a debate, but some of the insults are horrendous.
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"Life's tough enough, stop pretending you're this wee hardman on Twitter when you're probably going through stuff yourself. #bekind"
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