Port Talbot player Daniel Thomas suspended following alleged homophobic Tom Daley tweet
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Welsh Premier League footballer has been suspended after an abusive message was sent to Olympic diver Tom Daley.
Port Talbot Town FC has confirmed its midfielder Daniel Thomas will be the subject of an internal investigation into a tweet sent to Team GB diver Daley.
Daley, 18, and diving partner Pete Waterfield missed out winning a medal at the 2012 Olympics when they finished fourth in the 10m synchronised dive on Monday.
According to reports, a homophobic message was sent to Daley's Twitter page from the 10DanThomas10 account, which has since been deleted.
It comes following a separate "trolling" incident involving Daley which resulted in the arrest of a teenager.
Port Talbot FC officials stressed their player had been the victim of a "misguided prank" after leaving his phone unattended - but confirmed 28-year-old Thomas had been suspended while they looked into the matter.
A club spokesman said: "Port Talbot Town Football Club can confirm Daniel Thomas has been suspended from all involvement with the club until we have carried out a full internal investigation.
"We were made aware to an offensive comment appearing on the Twitter feed of one of our players.
"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 he regrettably left his phone unattended and was the victim of a very misguided 'prank'."
The club said it and Thomas apologised "unreservedly" and in no way condoned the views made in the tweet.
The spokesman added: "All footballers at Port Talbot Town will also be briefed on the appropriate use of social media and ensuring it is used securely and responsibly."
The incident is not the first time Daley has been the recipient of abusive online messages since his Olympics heartbreak.
Yesterday, Dorset Police confirmed a 17-year-old had been arrested following allegations the teen had sent malicious messages referring to the British diver's late father.
Daley had apparently received a tweet saying he had let down his late father Rob, who died from brain cancer in 2011, after missing out on the podium.
Daley responded to the post by saying: "After giving it my all...you get idiots sending me this."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments