Former Welsh international Gareth Thomas, the first renowned rugby player to declare himself homosexual, said he was "very upset" Wednesday by the recruitment by the Catalan Dragons of Australian Israel Folau, who had made homophobic remarks.
“So Folau joins the Super League. I am very disappointed that this sport, the players and the supporters have been so good with me, tweeted the former player who ended his career at XIII after making a name for himself at XV. All I hope is that, just as Folau claims its right to speak, players and supporters will have (the right) to respond. I will never watch him play. "
So Folau has joined the @SuperLeague .Really upset by this as the game, players, and fans were so good to me.All I hope is that as much as Folau wanted his right to speak, then players and fans alike are aloud their right to respond. I will never watch him🌈🏉❤️
- Gareth Thomas (@ gareththomas14) January 29, 2020Fervent evangelical Christian, Folau had caused an uproar in April 2019 after the publication of a message on his Instagram account: "Drunkards, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists, idolaters, Hell awaits you. Repent! Only Jesus can save you ”.
The Australian federation had then decided to terminate his contract, which the player had disputed, suing the federation for "unfair dismissal". But the French XIII rugby club of the Catalan Dragons, based in Perpignan, announced Tuesday that it had signed a one-year contract.
"I don't think we should let him come"
Robert Elstone, the executive president of the Super League, the championship that brings together English teams, the Dragons and a Canadian franchise, the Toronto Wolfpack, criticized this recruitment. The English club Wigan announced that the day of their home game against the Dragons in March would be a "Proud Day" against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. His players will wear rainbow socks and laces for this match
🏳️🌈 @WiganWarriorsRL can confirm that their round six game against @DragonsOfficiel on Sunday 22nd March will now be Pride Day, as the Warriors look support the LGBTQ + community.
Learn more 👇https: //t.co/nvxK1VHHq1
Wakefield president Michael Carter, whom Folau could debut on February 9 for the second day of the Super League, said the other clubs had not been consulted but they probably would have been against it. "I don't think we should let him come. Are we now considered a safety net for those who get kicked out of another sport ?, he commented to the British agency PA. The views he professes are disgusting and hiding them behind religious beliefs is a bad thing. "
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