Aussie football star is slammed for anti-Pride round stance – and he’s on the same team as the world’s first openly gay professional player

Adelaide United teenager Musa Toure has “hugely regretted” a social media post saying he did not support the A-League’s pride round.

Toure was told by club officials to remove the post, despite the Reds claiming to ‘respect individual beliefs’.

This weekend’s round of A-League matches is the competition’s official Pride Celebration, with the Pride Cup this weekend at Coopers Stadium when Adelaide and Melbourne Victory meet in the men’s and women’s competitions.

Earlier this week, Touré announced on Instagram that he and the club’s other Muslim players ‘disagree’ with the pride round.

“To the Muslim brothers and sisters, I am an Adelaide United player, but I am also a Muslim first and foremost,” Toure said in his post.

Musa Toure says he and the club’s other Muslim players proudly disagreed in a now-deleted Instagram post

‘I don’t support the pride round. I love football, but I have no say… the Muslims on my team all disagree about the pride round, but we don’t have a problem with the LGBTQ PEOPLE either!! It’s their life.’

Shortly afterwards, however, Touré was told by Reds officials to remove the post.

“Adelaide United acknowledges a statement on social media from one of our players regarding the pride round,” the Reds said in a statement.

“We respect individual beliefs, and we will continue to embrace diversity and welcome individuals from all backgrounds.

‘Our club is committed to inclusivity and respect for everyone, and through the pride round we want to celebrate everyone, no matter who you are, who you love or what faith you have.

“We will continue to educate players and staff on the importance of respecting diversity and promoting inclusivity while fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, welcome and accepted.”

Adelaide’s men’s team includes Josh Cavallo, who in 2021 became the world’s first gay professional footballer, while the club’s women’s team goalkeeper, Grace Wilson, is non-binary.

Musa Toure said he is ‘an Adelaide United player, but above all a Muslim’

Touré was later told by Reds officials to remove the controversial post

Toure has since apologized, again via social media.

“I would like to apologize for my comments on social media regarding this weekend’s Pride celebration,” he said on Instagram.

“Having spoken to my teammates and my club, I understand that my comments were hurtful and insensitive and I deeply regret this.

‘A lot has been done at my club to ensure that all players and fans feel involved and can be themselves.

“My comments did not reflect this. I will continue to grow and learn and look forward to this weekend’s games.”

Toure’s agent Fahid Ben Khalfallah said Toure would also apologize to Cavallo.

“Musa made a mistake because he didn’t mean it that way,” Ben Khalfallah said.

‘It’s a complicated subject. He didn’t mean to hurt anyone. He deeply regrets it.’

Toure plays for the same club as Josh Cavallo (pictured), who emerged in 2021 as the world’s first professional gay footballer

A spokesperson for the Australian Professional Leagues said the A-League men’s and women’s competitions were “proud of the rich diversity our players and fans bring to the competitions”.

“Football must be a safe and welcoming sport for all, especially for members of communities where this has not traditionally been the case,” he said.

Beau Busch, co-CEO of Professional Footballers Australia, said: “We recognize and respect that people may hold different views. This is a long-term commitment, and we will continue to provide guidance and support to all our members.

“Our goal is to reduce discrimination, increase education and improve everyone’s experience playing football so they feel safe, included and welcome.”

Toure has not played since injuring his quad in December but will be available for selection on Saturday evening.