JAKARTA - Women's soccer star Gabriel Howell has been subjected to vicious sexist harassment on social media. The abuse was also used as a victim as a pious lesson for young girls.
The footballer who idolizes Tottenham Hotspur has been playing football since the age of eight. He started his career at Crystal Palace, before moving to Carshalton and then to where he currently plays at Sutton United.
Howell has successfully helped Sutton top Division One in the London & Southeast Regional Women's League this season. However, he still received sexual harassment that said he could be in the team not because of his talent, but because of his sexy appearance.
"That's the problem with women's football, I think players are chosen based on appearances rather than talent," the abuser wrote on social media.
Not staying silent, Howell then spoke about his experience to the media. He said he had been the target of harassment for being a footballer who liked to preen and go on the weekends.
"You can do both. You can play football and like to wear high heels," he said.
However, Howell, who plays as a midfielder, chose not to delete the comments that insulted him.
He did this to show his fans that the large number of followers on social media does not always have a positive impact.
Howell hopes that what he does can be a source of inspiration for young girls who are successful in their work.
"Young girls think they want to be influencers, but they don't see any harm. I like to make people aware. Not everyone will like you," she said.
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