Football legend Casillas says Twitter account hacked after 'I'm gay' post

Former Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas said his Twitter account was hacked after a post saying he was gay created a stir on the social media platform.

"Hacked account," Casillas said. "Luckily everything in order. Apologies to all my followers. And of course, more apologies to the LGBT community."

The follow-up came not long after a brief message that was posted on his account went viral and prompted widespread speculation.

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"I hope I'll be respected: I'm gay," stated the tweet sent from his account, along with the hashtag "HappySunday," also in Spanish.

Casillas had not elaborated on the message, leading some to question its meaning and veracity.

The original tweet had come a day after Spanish media reported that he was in a relationship with a local actress. Casillas split from his wife Sara Carbonero earlier this year.

Adelaide United star Josh Cavallo, who came out last year, criticised the Real Madrid legend and former Barcelona star Carlos Puyol, believing they were making a joke about coming out.

In response to the original tweet, Puyol replied: "It's time to tell our story."

Puyol later apologised and tweeted: "I have made a mistake. Sorry for a clumsy joke with no bad intentions and totally out of place. All my respect and support for the LGTBIQA+ community."

Cavallo criticised the Puyol response, saying: "Joking and making fun out of coming out in football is disappointing.

"It's a difficult journey that any LGBTQ+ people have to go through. To see my role models and legends of the game make fun out of coming out and my community is beyond disrespectful."