Adelaide United says Josh Cavallo never raised homophobia concerns with A

The head of Adelaide United says former Reds player Josh Cavallo never raised concerns about homophobia or not being selected to play based on his sexuality while at the A-League club.

Cavallo publicly announced he was gay in October 2021 in an emotional video released by Adelaide United.

On Tuesday, Cavallo posted on Instagram, saying the club was "homophobic" and that it led to him not taking to the soccer pitch during his last season with the Reds before leaving in May last year.

Adelaide United chief executive Nathan Kosmina said Cavallo's allegations "aren't true and factual based on the information we have at hand".

"And the blanket nature I think around the playing group and everything else, it has kind of tarnished a lot of people past and present involved with the club."

Speaking at a media conference that was cancelled and then reconvened on Wednesday, Kosmina said decisions on who played were based on "football" and nothing else.

Cavallo now plays for Stamford in the UK.

He timed his post for the lead-up to the fourth Pride Cup match to be played between Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory at Hindmarsh Stadium on Saturday.

Club looking into concerns

When Cavallo's contract ended with Adelaide United, the club said he was leaving to pursue an opportunity overseas after playing 49 matches over five seasons.

On Tuesday, Cavallo said it had taken him "a while to digest" how his time at the club ended but "I think the fans deserve honesty".

Cavallo's post received a wave of supportive messages on his own Instagram page.

The ABC has sighted multiple homophobic and abusive comments on the Adelaide United's Facebook page which have not been removed.

Mr Kosmina said the club was investigating and was asking players and officials for feedback on Cavallo's comments but had not heard back from everyone yet.

He said the Professional Footballers Australia was not able to get far in investigating Cavallo's departure.

"There was nothing further to investigate because no claim or issue had been lodged with them," he said.

Cavallo has been contacted for comment.

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