Man United football player Geyse speaks out against homophobia

MManchester United and Brazilian football star Geyse Ferreira has spoken out against homophobic comments directed at her.

The 26-year-old footballer received hate after posting photos with her partner on Instagram on August 10. “I love you, us against the world,” Ferreira wrote in the post with a white heart and ring emoji. Since then, comments on the post have been limited.

“Yesterday, after publicly sharing my relationship, I was the target of homophobic attacks. I would like to clarify that love, in all its forms, is something that must be respected and celebrated, regardless of gender, orientation or any other characteristic”, Ferreira posted in X (formerly Twitter) Sunday. “These attacks, in addition to being deeply offensive, reflect a mindset that is not aligned with the values ​​of respect and empathy that we should promote as a society.”

While there were many celebratory comments on Ferreira’s Instagram post, some users questioned Ferreira’s relationship, saying she should be with a man, or calling the post “weird.”

TIME has contacted Manchester United Women for comment.

The Rainbow Devils, an independent LGBTQ Manchester United supporters club that works to empower and celebrate queer football stars, released a statement in support of Ferreira via X on Tuesday. “There is no room for homophobia in our sport,” they said, while sharing information on how to report discrimination.

“I reiterate that I will not remain silent in the face of prejudice. I will continue living and sharing my life with authenticity and courage, in the hope that one day everyone will be free to love whoever they want, without fear of judgment or reprisal,” Ferreira added on X.

Ferreira received support from some Brazilian teammates who left comments on the athlete’s original Instagram post with her partner. Fernanda Palermo, midfielder, wrote “aww” in the post with a heart emoji. Kathellen Sousa commented with the same emoji. Other football players such as Amanda Gutierres and Marta Turmo also left messages of support.

Ferreira joined Manchester United Women a year ago, after representing Brazil at the 2023 Women’s World Cup. The team won the Adobe Women’s FA Cup in May this year, six years after the club was formed.