South Wales Echo

Alfie slams Folau over gay remarks

- STAFF REPORTER Reporter echo.newsdesk@walesonlin­e.co.uk

FORMER Wales captain Gareth Thomas has again slammed world rugby star Israel Folau on social media after the Australian publicly claimed gay people are “going to hell”.

Folau has sparked a storm after posting on Instagram that God’s plan for gay people was “Hell... Unless they repent of their sins and turn to God”.

Posting a picture of an article on Folau, Thomas tweeted: “What’s his plan for you then? @IzzyFolau.”

It comes six months after Thomas used a middle-finger-salute emoji to show his contempt for Folau’s opposition to same-sex marriage.

Folau courted controvers­y yesterday after replying to a question from another Instagram user.

“@izzyfolau what was God’s plan for gay people?” user Mike SephtonPou­ltney said.

“@mike_sephton Hell... Unless they repent of their sins and turn to God,” Folau replied.

The comment was quickly shared on social media – with many, including Thomas, condemning the Wallabies star.

A Rugby Australia spokesman said the governing body would not make a comment.

Folau, a devout Christian, previously tweeted his opposition to same-sex marriage back in September when Australia was readying itself for a postal referendum on the issue.

Folau said: “I love and respect all people for who they are and their opinions, but personally, I will not support gay marriage.”

It led to Wales’ former record tryscorer, and first openly gay rugby player Thomas posting an acidic response.

Thomas, who is originally from Bridgend, wrote: “I love and respect all people for who they are and their opinions, but personally...” before placing a middle-finger-salute emoji which summed up his disdain.

 ?? CAMERON SPENCER ?? Israel Folau
CAMERON SPENCER Israel Folau
 ??  ?? Gareth Thomas
Gareth Thomas

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