FORMER Burnley defender Clarke Carlisle has admitted giving his ex-Clarets teammate Wade Elliott homophobic abuse – despite Mr Elliott not being gay.

Mr Carlisle, who suffered life-threatening injuries in a suicide attempt last December, said it was ‘stomach-turning’ to reflect on the comments.

The former Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) chairman revealed the abuse in an interview with Burnley fan and former Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell.

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Mr Carlisle played with Mr Elliott, at Turf Moor between 2007 and 2011 and both starred in the club’s promotion to the Premier League in 2009.

Asked about bullying Mr Carlisle told GQ magazine: “My stomach is turning as I say it, but homophobic abuse, because he is small and people thought he looked a bit effeminate maybe.

“I have the PFA to thank for making me see how wrong that was. [Football] is also a very homoerotic environment…everyone slapping backsides.

“But when homophobic abuse is targeted at one individual, it is horrendous...calling him gay when he wasn’t. My stomach is really churning now.”

Mr Carlisle, 35, said he had since apologised to Mr Elliott, who now plays for Bristol City.

He also said a female former Burnley physiotherapist was ‘objectified’ during his time at the club.

“Not by everyone, but she was, inappropriately, at times, definitely,” he added.

On December 22 last year, Mr Carlisle jumped into the path of a lorry on the A64 near York, two days after he was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving.

The former England under-21 international, whose battle with alcoholism and mental ill health is well-documented, was in a coma until mid-January after sustaining serious facial injuries.

Speaking about his suicide attempt, he said: “I was totally devastated… I wanted to go. I was convinced it was the right thing to do and I was angry I was still living.”

Mr Carlisle pleaded guilty to drink-driving at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court in March and will be sentenced today.

The former ITV pundit, who played 149 times for Burnley, has also split from his wife, Gemma.

He said: “We as a couple have a lot to work on and find out about me and each other, and how that pans out we don’t know “I will be round the corner; we will carry on with shared parenting and a family life, and hopefully dovetail again when I am really well.”

Mr Elliott was not available for comment.