"It was not meant to call him a paedophile. It was a bad, dark, juvenile joke," he said. "I have not at any point tried to cause distress or anxiety or risk his life or his daughters' lives. "I don't want people to fear for their lives, I'm a dad. "I cannot believe I'm on trial for this. Words on a social media site."
Every day, I hear appalling stories of the abuse suffered by people who step forward to represent their communities and serve our country. It is shocking to see the level of harassment and intimidation faced by those in our parliament, our town halls and elsewhere in public service. Every story I hear only increases my determination to stop it happening and keep those who serve safe.
"Positive action is being taken, including issuing stadium bans to individuals who engage in discriminatory behaviour, referring cases of online abuse to the relevant authorities, and supporting the rehabilitation of offenders so they can understand the real-life consequences of their actions," EFL chief executive Trevor Birch said. "This is a multi-faceted approach - and crucially, the work does not stop here."
"Since coming out as gay in 2021, footballer Josh Cavallo has received daily death threats and abusive messages on social media. "When I first saw these messages it broke my heart," Cavallo tells BBC Sport. "No-one wants to read things like that. "I'm trying to get better as a player and be the best I can be on the pitch, and then get put down because of who I am as a person."
I want local residents to be aware that I have received threats of death and violence directly posted in response to a misleading video recently shared by the MP for Keighley and Ilkley, Robbie Moore. These have been reported to the police, and an investigation is currently under way. It is irresponsible behaviour for any MP of any party to put out such blatant misinformation about a colleague.
Jess Carter is poised to represent England in the European Championship semi-final against Italy, following experiences of online racism during the tournament, demonstrating resilience amid adversity.
