An anti-gay Tweet featured on Daniel Thomas’ Twitter stream yesterday after Tom Daley and Peter Waterfield narrowly missed out on a medal at the London Olympics.
Daniel Thomas who is a semi-professional midfielder with Port Talbot FC denied that he sent the homophobic Tweet saying he himself had been the victim of a “prank.”
The Western Mail reports that a tweet appeared on the page for footballer Daniel Thomas which said:
“If there is any consolation for finishing fourth at least Daley and Waterfield can go and bum each other #teamHIV.”
Port Talbot FC issued the following statement:
“Upon being informed of the matter, we immediately distanced ourselves from any offensive messages whilst investigating the matter further.
“Having spoken at length to the player in question, we believe that he regrettably left his phone unattended and was the victim of a very misguided ‘prank’.
“The player issued an immediate apology for the comments which appeared on his Twitter feed and has since deleted his account.
“Both the player and club wish to apologise unreservedly to those offended and in no way condone such views.”
Thomas’ Twitter account @10danthomas10 is no longer viewable. It has either been suspended or it has been deleted.
The news comes to light as Tom Daley suffered another Twitter attack earlier in the day from user @Rileyy_69 who Tweeted: “@TomDaley1994 you let your dad down i hope you know that.”
He replied: “After giving it my all…you get idiot’s sending me this…RT @Rileyy_69: @TomDaley1994 you let your dad down i hope you know that.”
The Tweets attracted a national uproar and within hours both SkyNews and ITV news were reporting on the event.
Daley’s dad Rob, the driving force behind his diving career, died just over a year ago after battling brain cancer.
A spokesperson from Dorset Police this morning said:
“A 17 year-old man was arrested by Dorset police officers in the early hours of this morning, Tuesday 31st July, at a guest house in the Weymouth area on suspicion of malicious communications.
“He is currently helping police with their enquiries.”
