A newspaper has shot down a reader who complained that an image of a gay couple ‘put him off his dinner’.

It was reported today that a British man’s husband tragically died while on their honeymoon in Australia – only for the Australian government to refuse to recognise their union.

Marco Bulmer-Rizzi was distraught that his husband David’s death certificate would read “never married”, after he died following a fall down the stairs.

However, when News Corp site news.com.au site posted a picture of the couple alongside a story on its Facebook page, one homophobic reader took exception.

Reader Michael Davis wrote: “Where was the caution or warning for this image?

“Some of us are trying to have bloody dinner without thinking about a bloke tasting man spit you dirty scumbags.”

However, the news site replied: “Sure thing Michael!

“WARNING: A man eating ‘bloody dinner’ is being unnecessarily hateful in your midst. Tread cautiously, or simply ignore his remarks.

“Glad to be of service.”

Despite having their rights ignored by the Australian government, David and Marco Bulmer-Rizzi helped saved a number of Australian lives.

After his death, David’s organs were donated, giving a lifeline to at least three people.

The couple, who lived in Sunderland, England, got married in June 2015, and travelled to Australia in December for a delayed honeymoon.

The British high commissioner’s office in Canberra, said the situation was “very distressing”.

Marco Bulmer-Rizzi called for the UK government to take action to ensure all UK marriages are recognised around the world, adding: “I understand they can’t change Australian law, but I’m not asking them to.

“I’m asking my own country to stand by its own laws. If the British government is aware that other countries do not recognise same-sex marriage they should try to defend what their law says.”