Blackpool's Marvin Ekpiteta sorry for historical homophobic comments as Jake Daniels comes out

Marvin Ekpiteta has apologised for homophobic comments he made a decade ago on social media. Credit: PA Images

Blackpool defender Marvin Ekpiteta has apologised after homophobic comments he posted on social media a decade ago resurfaced.

It comes after his team mate Jake Daniels become the first professional footballer to come out since Justin Fashanu in 1990.

Following Daniels’ announcement, which had been greeted with widespread support, posts made by Ekpiteta from 2012 and 2013 containing homophobic tones were highlighted.

Jake Daniels has received support from around the world since revealing his sexuality

In a post on Twitter, the 26-year-old called his former remarks "offensive and completely inappropriate."

"Today, social media posts I made in 2012 and 2013 have been highlighted", the defender said Twitter.

"I want to wholeheartedly apologise for the offensive and completely inappropriate language I used, and for the sentiments I expressed.

"As a footballer, and in the years spent in work, before I became a professional player, I’ve been fortunate to have worked with a wide and diverse range of people.

"Throughout this period, I have developed and grown as a person.

"Yesterday, I was proud of Jake and all involved at Blackpool FC for what is a hugely positive moment for football as a whole."

He continued to say: "I am embarrassed by the comments I made as a 17-year-old, nearly a decade ago, which do not in any way reflect the values I hold now or the beliefs I have as a person or as a team-mate.

"Football needs to be a place where everyone can feel free to be true to themselves, and I am upset that the comments I previously made suggest otherwise."

"I take full responsibility for these posts, and I am sorry."

Jake Daniels responded by saying he's proud that Marvin is his team mate.

He said: "What you said ten years ago at 17 years old doesn’t define the man you are today.

"I am proud to be your teammate and to be part of the Blackpool family - we are all moving football forwards together."

The posts in question have since been deleted.

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