Melbourne Victory fined over fans' homophobic abuse towards Adelaide player Josh Cavallo

A-League club Melbourne Victory has been fined $5,000 over homophobic abuse from fans directed at Adelaide United defender Josh Cavallo.

Football Australia (FA) issued the sanction following the incident at the A-League Men's game between the Victory and the Reds in Melbourne on January 8.

In issuing the penalty, the governing body said it had considered the Victory's prompt denunciation of the behaviour and its commitment to banning «any individuals identified as having engaged in the conduct» from future matches.

It said the $5,000 would be used to «further invest in LGBTQ+ awareness and education initiatives in football». 

Cavallo, who is currently the only out gay player in a top-tier men's football league worldwide, came on as a substitute in the match at AAMI Park.

The following day, he revealed he had been subjected to abuse from the crowd and on Instagram, saying he was «not going to pretend that I didn't see or hear the homophobic abuse» and that he would «never apologise for living my truth».

«To be clear, the actions of the spectators responsible for using homophobic slurs against Josh Cavallo were completely unacceptable,» FA chief executive James Johnson said.

«I want to thank Josh for his courage in calling out this unacceptable behaviour and the club for its swift and strong response.

»In issuing the sanction, Football Australia is warning all participants and fans of the need to work together to ensure everyone can freely participate in our sport regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, ability or disability, cultural or religious background."

Josh Cavallo says he was targeted with homophobic abuse during Adelaide United's away A-League Mens draw with Melbourne Victory.

The penalty comes after the Victory was