Christian Australian Rugby player, Israel Folau has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup for his social media comment on gays
In his post, the 30-year old stated that:
‘hell awaits’ for ‘drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists, idolaters.’
Because of the above statement, Israel Folau has been turned out from the Wallabies squad to the tournament in Japan.
When asked if he would be included, Michael Cheika the team’s coach said:
“You wouldn’t be able to.
“Getting out in that disrespectful manner publicly is not what our team’s about,” Cheika said on Monday.
“When you play in the gold jersey, we represent everyone in Australia – everyone. Everyone that’s out there supporting us. We don’t pick and choose.”
Rugby Australia RA chief executive Raelene Castle stated on Monday morning that Folau is in breach of contract.
‘Following the events of last year, Israel was warned formally and repeatedly about the expectations of him as a player for the Wallabies and NSW Waratahs with regards to social media use and he has failed to meet those obligations.
‘It was made clear to him that any social media posts or commentary that is in any way disrespectful to people because of their sexuality will result in disciplinary action.
‘All professional rugby players in Australia are bound by the code of conduct and there is a process in place for any disciplinary matter’, he said.
