TEXT Maniacs
Dragons under fire over Folau signing
CATALANS DRAGONS sparked fury by emailing their Super League rivals just minutes before announcing the controversial signing of Israel Folau.
The former rugby union international, 30, has returned to league after being sacked by Rugby Australia last April for making homophobic comments, including the claim that “hell awaits” gay people.
Folau later launched legal action on the grounds he was being punished for his religious beliefs.
The two sides reached a settlement in December, with the Australia Rugby League Commission having already confirmed he would not be welcome back in the NRL.
But he will relaunch his career in the south of France on a one-year deal.
The RFL cleared his arrival, claiming there was nothing they could do to stop it.
Super League clubs were fuming after being sent an email, signed by Catalans chairman Bernard Guasch, at 12.15pm, shortly before the news was made public.
In it he admitted the signing did not have the support of Super League chief executive Robert Elstone but pointed out that the player had not committed a criminal offence.
He said sponsors had been consulted and the response had been “mixed, with no serious alarm bells we know of”.
Guasch said: “We want to give Israel a new opportunity to shine on the pitch.
“We do not support or agree with his previously expressed and controversial views.
“We do not share or condone those views and we are totally committed to our club and our sport being open and welcoming to everyone.
“We have a signed agreement with the RFL.
“Any transgression will trigger an immediate termination of Israel’s contract and a substantial fine for the club.”
Moments after the public announcement, Wigan announced that their home game with Catalans on March 22 will be Pride Day.
The signing was also slammed by Halifax prop Keegan Hirst, the only openly gay player in the professional game. He said: “I’m shocked and disappointed.
“Our great game is tasked with fighting homophobia and standing up for the values it puts such high stock in.
“It shows none of the bravery, camaraderie or integrity rugby league expects from its players, staff and fans.”
But Folau said: “I’m a proud Christian, my beliefs are personal, my intention is not to hurt anyone and I will not be making further public comment about them. I look forward to my return to the great game of rugby league with the Catalans Dragons.”
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Shrewsbury did not play against the best team in the world they played liverpool second team. manchester utd played there first team against tranmere who are 4th from bottom in league one (chesterfield supporter)
Dego
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Well done Shrewsbury for a great fightback, but we already know it will be against the kids again in the replay. I still maintain the fa cup has no meaning anymore except for teams in lower divisions. It will be a night to remember don’t get me wrong – but it isn’t a patch on what it used to be. Mal the claret
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Moaning klopp get a damn grip, i work 50 plus hours a week every week in the nhs i know what burn out means, footballers pampered do not live in the real world will swap your job for a week but you would not last a day poor loves.
Big imp
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What is the loneliest place in football. Easy it must be the emptyshed arena at mcfc nobody wants to go there. Lol.
The Salford rocket
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To uws, just taken my sun glasses off after watching solford utd v wolves in cup replay, soooooo many empty red seats at the theatre of screams it was blinding. u will be back to the 70 and 80s. Steve true blue
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To all kopite 40 watt bulbs. After ya performance against mighty shrewsbury how can u lot claim 2 be the best. Come 2 O/T to see the best. Paul cook