Aussie cricketer James Faulkner has been hammered online after confirming he is not gay following a weird Instagram post celebrating his five year anniversary with his supposed boyfriend.
The all-rounded was praised for his bravery after appearing to come out on social media.
Celebrating his 29th birthday, he wrote: “Birthday dinner with the boyfriend @robjubbsta and my mother @roslyn_carol_faulkner #togetherfor5years”.
Former Australian Test fast bowler Shaun Tait responded: "Great courage mate, bet u feel better."
"Happy birthday mate! Great courage," fellow cricketer Glenn Maxwell wrote.
Faulkner was forced in a climb down - and says it marked five years of the pals being housemates with the man pictured actually being his business partner.
"There seems to be a misunderstanding about my post from last night, I am not gay, however it has been fantastic to see the support from and for the LGBT community," he said.
"Let’s never forget love is love, however @robjubbsta is just a great friend. Last night marked five years of being house mates! Good on everyone for being so supportive."
Cricket Australia were unimpressed by his post - and released a statement saying sorry for any offence caused.
"His comment was made as a genuine reflection of his relationship with his business partner, best friend and house mate of five years. He was not contacted for clarification before some outlets reported his Instagram post as an announcement of a homosexual relationship
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"James and CA are supportive of the LGBQTI community and recognise coming out can be an incredibly emotional time.
"The post was not in any way meant to make light of this and, though the support from the community was overwhelming and positive, Cricket Australia apologises for any unintended offence."
That didn't stop angry fans on social media giving him their thoughts of his supposed declaration.
"You're an idiot," one said after earlier praising him for his post.
"I suspect you’ve done serious harm turning “coming out” into joke" wrote another.
One added: "You're a twit James. As a role model to many young Australians your post was neither funny nor at all gay positive to gay people."
