Bellerín: Arsenal star praised for speaking out against Alabama abortion ban
Hector Bellerín has been widely praised for his Twitter message urging more men to speak out against the abortion ban in Alabama.
Arsenal defender Hector Bellerín has received plaudits across Twitter for speaking out about the Alabama abortion ban, with the Spaniard urging others in the football industry to follow suit in a message posted on the social media plaform.
Since posting his message on Twitter on Friday evening, it has garnered more than 40,000 shares and 155,000 likes, earning praise from figures from the media and sporting world, including former Arsenal striker, Ian Wright.
Earlier this week, Alabama passed a near-total ban on abortions, prompting widespread backlash from women's rights groups and other opponents, including celebrities such as Courtney Cox, Lady Gaga and Reese Witherspoon.
Bellerín: “This is something men should fight for”
Bellerín joined the growing list of celebrities to criticise the ban on Twitter with his message on Friday, in which he called out men and figures from "our industry" for not speaking out about the issue.
“I wanted to see if anyone from our industry would speak out about the abortion bill, but I guess people are too scared,” said the Spanish full back.
“This isn't just an issue for women, it's one for every human being. We fight for equality and this is something men should fight for and not hide away from.”
Widespread praise
Bellerín was praised by many on Twitter for using his platform to bring attention to important issues.
“Always impressed by the environmental, social and gender issues that you raise. I wonder if it's a vocation you'll take up when you retire form football,” wrote GrimandiTweets. “Anyways, keep using your platform to enlighten people!”
"Thank you Hector for speaking up about this matter, it’s really important that you are showing that you care,” said chococalvm.