Hector Bellerin opens up about abusive Arsenal fans and his ongoing struggle against negative comments after being called ‘lesbian’ for growing his hair
Spaniard was forced to temporarily delete his social media accounts but is learning how to deal with angry supporters
HECTOR BELLERIN admits he has been affected by sick homophobic abuse.
Arsenal’s Spanish full-back, 23, is angry at the level of insults he has received from fans inside and outside football stadiums.
The fashion-lover revealed he has been branded a “lesbian” and mocked for his hairstyle, as well as his performances on the pitch.
Bellerin revealed: “Some of it can get very abusive.
“Most of the abuse is online but you hear it in the stadium too.
“People have called me ‘lesbian’ for growing my hair.
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“There are other kinds of homophobic insults.
“When I played badly, the stick got crazy.”
Bellerin, who is dating a stunning lingerie model, became a terrace target under previous Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.
And he : “I have learnt to grow a thick skin but it can affect you.
“Every now and again, you get a bit of self-doubt. The problem is people have an idea of what a footballer should look like, how they should behave, what they should talk about.
“You act differently and you become a target. There is pressure to conform.
“This is very dangerous. In life, you should be allowed to express yourself.
“The worst was a year-and-a-half ago. A lot of people say nice things but it is natural to focus on the bad.
“Every day I am learning to deal with abuse in a better way.”
Bellerin revealed he deleted Twitter on his phone for a while due to the barrage of abusive messages.
But he is now enjoying a new lease of life under new Gunners boss Unai Emery.
He said: “It feels like a new club. It’s a shame for those who have gone and I am grateful to them all.
“But you can understand why a new person would like to put their own stamp on the club.”