Josh Cavallo, the 26-year-old footballer who once played for Adelaide United, has opened up about his challenging experiences with the team. Despite being a part of the squad last season, Cavallo did not make it onto the pitch. He found himself on the bench as an unused substitute on eight occasions under the direction of then-coach Carl Veart. His last appearance for the Reds was back in February 2024.

Cavallo’s struggles were compounded by injuries during the 2023-24 season. He managed to play just four games before a hamstring strain sidelined him, following a recovery from a previous Achilles tendon rupture. These physical setbacks were not the only hurdles Cavallo faced.

Expressing his frustration, Cavallo stated, “Under the new management, it became clear that I wasn’t allowed on the pitch because of politics.” His comments shed light on the complexities of his time with Adelaide United, suggesting that factors beyond his control influenced his lack of playing time.

Josh Cavallo’s candid remarks provide a glimpse into the often unseen challenges athletes face, both on and off the field. His insights into the dynamics at Adelaide United add a new layer to the narrative of professional sports, where personal and political elements can impact a player’s career trajectory.

Josh Cavallo has spoken out about his time at Adelaide United. Source: Getty / Jonathan DiMaggio

“It’s hard to swallow when I realised my own club was homophobic. I was angry because people thought I was sidelined based on injuries, when in reality, it was internal homophobia that kept me on the bench,” Cavallo wrote.

The Australian Associated Press has contacted Adelaide United for comment.

‘I felt incredibly isolated’

“I felt things going backwards, not just on the pitch, but in the one place l thought was a safe space and after seeing a group chat of teammates mocking a picture of me and my partner only added to this heartache.”