- Alex Chidiac denounces homophobic abuse by viewers
- The Matildas star received a shocking message after the match
- Teammate faces suspension for hitting back at abusive fan
Matildas star Alex Chidiac has revealed the vile abuse female footballers receive as one of her team-mates faces a suspension for lashing out at a fan who allegedly insulted her.
Chidiac, a midfielder for A-League Women’s Melbourne Victory team, took to Instagram to share a shocking message she received from a man after her team’s recent match against Western Sydney.
‘Damn lesbian,’ the message began.
“I hope you get kicked in the next game, you piece of shit.”
Chidiac reposted the hate message along with his own caption, writing: “On our phones or in the stands, you and your abuse are not welcome.
“To my (LGBTQIA+) community, you are loved and should always be safe in our sport.”
Alex Chidiac (pictured playing in the A-League Women competition) has revealed the type of homophobic abuse sent to female footballers
The Matildas midfielder reposted a shocking message she received over the weekend
The shocking revelation comes days after Matilda Natasha Prior received a red card for an incident during Newcastle Jets’ clash against Western United last Friday.
Prior received a red card for verbal abuse from the referee, who believed she had insulted a linesman, when she and her club claimed she was responding to an offensive slur said by a member of the public.
He has since been handed a two-match ban by Football Australia.
“The Match Review Panel determined that Prior committed the offense of using offensive, insulting or abusive language or gestures,” a Football Australia statement read.
“The minimum penalty for the infraction is a one-match suspension, the MRP proposed that Prior serve a two-match suspension for the infraction.”
The Newcastle Jets have since lodged a complaint with Football Australia over the matter.
“A complaint has been made to Football Australia in relation to an alleged offensive slur made by a member of the public directed at a Jets player during the match,” the Jets said.
Alex Chidiac is pictured with his partner Erin, Player Relations Manager at Professional Footballers Australia.
Matilda Natasha Prior received a red card for abuse last Friday, but she and her club claim she was responding to an insult shouted by a spectator.
‘Newcastle Jets are a family club, built on hard work and togetherness.
‘We are a club that welcomes everyone, regardless of faith, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender. Our diversity is our strength and inclusion is sacrosanct.
“Everyone has a place in our club and in football, and any fan or player who jeopardizes that sense of belonging is not welcome.
“Any form of abuse and discrimination is not part of the game and is something this club will not tolerate.”
Football Australia has confirmed it will investigate the matter further.