The Socceroo says Cavall’s lack of game time was about his choices, not his sexuality

“When I look at the facts from when I was there and beyond … Josh unfortunately had two major injuries,” Goodwin said.

“And then there’s a lot of other players in the squad who I think have worked a lot harder than him. In fact, Josh has decided to take outside opportunities a few times, he’s tried to hide it from us and lie to us and miss training and club commitments.”

“To say that, when I’ve had the experience of him directly choosing outside opportunities, that would affect the way the coaches thought about him or his opportunities … other guys were working extremely hard, spending hours on the training track, trying to improve, while Josh is missing those sessions to take advantage of other opportunities. It’s his decision.”

“But then to say he didn’t play because of who he chose to love rather than all the other things he chose to do … it’s disappointing that he came out and said those things.

Goodwin also said he was not aware of any group chats where players were “mocking” a photo of Cavall and his partner, although he has spent time away from Adelaide playing in Saudi Arabia.

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“I have [not] lost respect for Josh. I had a great relationship with Josh,” Goodwin said.

“I thought a lot about him. He was obviously very brave to come out the way he did. We’ve been very accepting of him … because we try to be with absolutely everyone who comes through the club at Adelaide United.”

“[We have] an inclusive environment that no matter what your sexual orientation is, what your religion is, what your skin color is, that when you come to Adelaide United, you’re part of this club, you’re part of this family – and what matters most is football.

“We’ve always been like that, especially from Josh, and obviously we’ve highlighted some of the factors around it and the way things can get better. It’s very disappointing for me.”