Italian sports activities minister Andrea Abodi has denied accusations of homophobia after his feedback about brazenly homosexual footballer Jakub Jankto sparked anger within the nation.
In an interview with La Stampa printed on Tuesday, Abodi mentioned that he “didn’t want to pass for a homophobe” after saying of Jankto, who is about to signal for promoted Serie A facet Cagliari, that he “didn’t like ostentation”.
That remark, made throughout a radio interview on Monday, was taken as to be referring to Jankto popping out as gay in February.
READ | Czech footballer Jakub Jankto comes out as homosexual
But Abodi insisted that that he was speaking about what he considers “excessive ostentation” amongst some contributors on the annual LGBTQ Pride marches relatively than individuals being free to specific their sexual orientation.
“My reply had the spontaneity required when you have to give a very brief answer, especially on the radio where you have very little time,” Abodi mentioned.
“I brought together two concepts that needed to be kept separate… Everyone’s identity should be respected so I hope a thousand more come out.”
Jankto will turn out to be the first-ever brazenly gay participant in Serie A when he formalises his switch from Getafe to Cagliari.
The 27-year-old, one among a handful of high gamers who’ve publicly come out as homosexual whereas nonetheless enjoying, will return to Italy, the place he beforehand performed at Udinese, Ascoli and Sampdoria.
Abodi, 63, is formally minister for sport and youth in a proper wing authorities led by the Brothers of Italy occasion which has neo-fascist roots.
Campaigners have condemned the therapy of Italy’s LGBTQ neighborhood since Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni took workplace in October final yr on a platform which pushed conventional household values.
Football stadiums in Italy have steadily been the stage for bigotry and outright racism from organised hardcore fan teams, numerous which have brazenly far-right politics.
