Coventry City footballer who used the word 'f*ggot' claims he didn't know what it meant

A professional footballer is under investigation by his club after using homophobic language on Twitter yesterday (May 2).

Coventry City defender Chris Stokes, has apologised for using the offensive remark while commenting on Monday’s Premier League match between Chelsea and Tottenham, where he called the players on the pitch a “bunch of faggots”.

As the homophobic remark caused an outrage on Twitter, the 25-year-old quickly deleted the tweet and apologised for his behaviour, claiming that he did not know the meaning of the term ‘faggot’.

I’d like to apologise for a term used in an earlier tweet. I didn’t realise what the term meant and was shocked when people pointed it out.

— chris stokes (@stokesy1991) May 2, 2016

It’s unacceptable and it won’t happen again, I am very sorry if I’ve caused offence to anyone.

— chris stokes (@stokesy1991) May 2, 2016

He said: “I’d like to apologise for any offence I’ve caused. It was a brainless moment from me and I’m really disappointed in myself for using that term, I’m not homophobic at all.

“However, I know it is not acceptable by any means and I’m really sorry to any of our supporters or anyone in the wider public who have been offended by the remark.”

Stokes also issued an apology on the club’s official site, while Coventry City have taken the promising step of launching an internal investigation into his behaviour.

“The club would like to stress that it is completely unacceptable for any of our players or staff to express such remarks at any time,” bosses said in a statement.

“We will work with organisations such as Kick it Out and Football v Homophobia to help educate Chris and the squad on why this term is unacceptable to make sure this doesn’t happen again in the future.”

Words: Anita Klich

Coventry City footballer who used the word ‘f*ggot’ claims he didn’t know what it meant

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