Matildas star Alex Chidiac reveals the horrific homophobic abuse she copped in Australia – as her teammate gets punished for ‘hitting back at fan who insulted her’
- Alex Chidiac calls out homophobic abuse of spectators
- Matildas star received a shocking message after the match
- Teammate faces suspension for hitting back at an insulting fan
Matildas star Alex Chidiac has revealed the vicious abuse sent to female footballers when one of her teammates is suspended for lashing out at a fan who allegedly insulted her.
Chidiac, a midfielder for A-League Women team Melbourne Victory, shared on Instagram a shocking message she received from a man after her side’s recent match against Western Sydney.
“You f****** lesbian d***,” the message began.
“I hope you get your ass kicked next game, you piece of shit.”
Chidiac reposted the hateful message along with her 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 kind of homophobic abuse being sent to female footballers
The Matildas midfielder posted another shocking message she received over the weekend
The shocking revelation comes days after Matilda Natasha Prior was shown a red card for an incident that took place during the match between Newcastle Jets and Western United last Friday.
Prior was shown a red card for verbal abuse by the referee, who thought she had insulted a linesman – when she and her club claimed to be responding to an offensive slur from a member of the crowd.
She has since been handed a two-match ban by Football Australia.
“The Match Review Panel determined that Prior committed the offense by using offensive, insulting or insulting language and/or gestures,” said a statement from Football Australia.
‘The minimum penalty for this offense is a one-match suspension. The MRP recommended that Prior serve a two-match ban for the offence.”
The Newcastle Jets have since complained to Football Australia over the issue.
“A complaint has been made to Football Australia in relation to an alleged offensive slur by a member of the public directed at a Jets player during the match,” the Jets said.
Alex Chidiac is pictured with her partner Erin, player relations manager for Professional Footballers Australia
Matilda Natasha Prior was shown a red card for assault last Friday, but she and her club claim she was responding to a swear word from a spectator
‘The Newcastle Jets are a family club, built on hard work and togetherness.
‘We are a club that welcomes everyone, regardless of your faith, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender. Our diversity is our strength and inclusivity is sacred.
“Everyone has a place in our club and in football, and any fan or player who compromises that sense of belonging is not welcome.
“Any form of abuse and discrimination is not part of the game and is something that this club will not tolerate.”
Football Australia has confirmed they will investigate the matter further.