Rugby Australia has described an Israel Folau social media post, in which the full-back says “hell awaits” gay people, as “unacceptable”.
In a statement, Rugby Australia said the post “does not represent the values of the sport and is disrespectful to members of the rugby community”, adding that its integrity unit had been “engaged on the matter”.
One player to directly respond to Australia international was James Haskell with this well-worded tweet.
This is the biggest load of shit I have ever read. Sport has no place for this crap. Keep it to hate groups @IzzyFolau , you arent spreading the lords word. You are spreading hate.
— James Haskell (@jameshaskell) April 11, 2019
You are an unreal player, but a fucking misinformed bigot. pic.twitter.com/ID4iEp1fkm
Former Wales international and British and Irish Lions skipper Gareth Thomas, who came out as gay in 2009, responded to Folau’s comments on Twitter.
I don’t write this with hate or anger after Israel Folau’s comments.I write with sympathy. To everyone who reads it, don’t be influenced by his words. Be the better person and be YOU. Whoever YOU is..Hell doesn’t await YOU.Happiness awaits YOU.🌈❤️
— Gareth Thomas (@gareththomas14) April 10, 2019
English rugby international Joe Marler, who was a member of the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand in 2017, took a different approach to Folau’s comments.
Rather than using words, he responded to Folau’s posts with tweets featuring pictures of men kissing.
❤️ @IzzyFolau pic.twitter.com/7Kxdt8Ucu8
— Joe Marler (@JoeMarler) April 10, 2019
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