Tony Bellew denies he’s homophobic as picture emerges of him posing in front of offensive flag

Tony Bellew has explained that he had no idea that he had posed for a picture in front of a flag which claimed Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish was homosexual.

An image of the boxer standing in front of an Everton supporters' flag which featured the words 'Kenny Dalglish is a homosexual' has appeared on social media on Monday. Speaking to The Mirror, Bellew dismissed suggestions that this might mean that he is homophobic. He said:

“I had no idea that flag was there,” “My younger brother is homosexual and he’s getting married in the next six months - so I just want to put people straight on that. “I’ve had hundreds of pictures taken in recent months, all over the place. I’m not looking at walls or whatever’s in the background. I had no idea whatsoever.”

It's unclear who took the original picture, although it's believed to have been taken following Bellew's cruiserweight world title victory against Ilunga Makabu at Goodison Park last May. The Mirror also point out that it was posted to Twitter by the father of Tyson Fury - who appeared to announce his own return to boxing - on Monday. “I think the words on the flag are disgusting and I would never come out and say such a thing," Bellew added. “I’m shocked someone’s even had that flag made - and I’ve never seen the flag in my life. I don’t check what’s behind me. “I have nothing whatsoever against homosexuals.”