Dylan Bettencourt
The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles will become the first team to sport a LGBTQ+ inclusive jersey in Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL) but it is not without controversy.
Seven players in the team will stage a boycott over the jersey due to their religious and cultural beliefs.
The players criticised the move as they were not consulted before the club made the announcement.
The Sea Eagles management has since apologised for its handling of the situation.
Coach Des Hasler said the club was wrong not to consult the players and in turn caused confusion, discomfort and pain for many people, in particular those groups whose human rights they were in fact attempting to support.
“They were not included in any of the discussions, and at a minimum, they should have been consulted,” Hasler said.
The league rules stipulate that all players on the same team have to wear the same kit, meaning the seven players cannot take to the field unless they use the LGBTQ+ inclusive jersey.
The players’ motives for the boycott sparked backlash on social media.
“What infuriates me is that players will boycott over a rainbow but never boycott a teammate if he’s been accused of violence against women,” wrote a Twitter user.
Several other users accused the players of being hypocrites as the team is sponsored by a brewery as well as a betting agency.
Former NRL player Ian Roberts, who was the first player in the league to come out as gay, said the boycott breaks his heart.
“It’s sad and uncomfortable,” he told Sydney’s Daily Telegraph.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the players for standing up for their beliefs.
“It’s important in Australian society that we respect everyone for who they are,” he said.
Image source: @TheGuardian
