Seven adults have refused to play because of a rainbow. You can't make this up
An Australian rugby league coach has been forced to apologise after members of his team refused to wear a shirt with a rainbow on it, citing religion as reasoning.
On Tuesday, Manly Waringah Sea Eagles coach Des Halser issued a lengthy and slightly confusing statement regarding seven players who are choosing to boycott Thursday's game against the Sydney Roosters. White bands on the arms of their kit have been replaced with rainbows, and another sprawled across the front.
"We wish to apologise to the LGBTQ+ community who embrace the rainbow colours and use these colours for pride and advocacy and human rights issues," he explained. "Our intent was to be caring and compassionate towards all diverse groups who face inclusion issues daily. However, instead of enhancing tolerance and acceptance, we may have hindered this."
Rugby players Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau'atu, Tolutau Koula and Toafofoa Sipley all refused to play Thursday's match due to the jersey.
Halser accepted their decision while also accepting their "cultural beliefs." The team will now push forward with the remaining players who mustered enough courage to wear a tiny rainbow for a few hours.
"The jersey intent was to support the advocacy and human rights pertaining to gender, race culture, ability and LGBTQ rights," Hasler said. "Sadly, the execution of what was intended to be an extremely important and initiative was poor. There was little consultation or collaboration with key stakeholders both inside and outside the club.
He added: "Sadly, this poor management and project management has caused significant confusion, discomfort and pain for many people."
Despite talking about inclusion, much of Halser's speech centred around including religious points of view.
"I respect the players choice, they have religious and cultural differences and that's the beauty about Australia, we all have those freedoms," he said.
"Let me say this though, one thing I take pride in, in rugby league, is we treat everyone the same, we're all human beings, it doesn't matter what your colour, doesn't matter what your sexual orientation is, doesn't matter what your race is, we're all equal and we'll never ever take a backward step in having our sport inclusive."
Club legend Ian Roberts, who just so happens to be gay, shared his disappointments with the Daily Telegraph.
"I try to see it from all perspectives but this breaks my heart," he said. "It's sad and uncomfortable. As an older gay man, this isn't unfamiliar."
He continued: "I did wonder whether there would be any religious push back. That's why I think the NRL have never had a Pride round.
"I can promise you every young kid on the Northern Beaches who is dealing with their sexuality would have heard about this."
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