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Blackpool defender Marvin Ekpiteta has publicly apologised for past homophobic posts he made, explaining he supports his teammate Jake Daniels, and his views have changed. 

Ekpiteta’s apology follows the recent news of Blackpool teammate Jake Daniels, who came out in an interview with Sky Sports this week, making him the first active professional male footballer in the UK to come out since Justin Fashanu in 1990.

While support for Daniels was overwhelmingly positive from LGBTQ+ advocates, fans and football organisations alike, homophobic posts made by Ekpiteta between 2012 and 2013 also surfaced.
 
Ekpiteta’s now-deleted posts, which included clapping emojis following the news that the nation of Nigeria had outlawed same-sex marriage in 2013, have been described as embarrassing by the now 26-year-old.
 
“Today, social media posts I made in 2012 and 2013 have been highlighted,” Ekpiteta explained.
 

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

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

“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.”

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