Israel Folau controversially refused to take a knee before Catalans Dragons Super League game against St Helens on Sunday.
Players from both teams marked the return of rugby league behind-closed-doors at Headingley by taking a stance against racism, as they joined referee Ben Thaler in dropping to one knee for a few seconds in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Folau was the only player to elect to stand.
Folau, 31, was sacked from his Rugby Australia contract last year for saying ‘hell awaits’ gay people and Catalans’ decision to sign him led to widespread opposition.
Catalans Dragons coach Steve McNamara has since defended his player’s actions at Headingley.
‘As a group of players and coaching staff, we spoke about it in depth and as a club we are completely against racism and all for equal opportunity,’ McNamara said.
‘But there were some players and staff who made the decision not to take the knee.
‘That was based on personal choice, they have their own reasons for doing that, and we decided we would respect anyone’s personal choice on the matter.’
Damn whts wrong with Izy???♂️use to be a number one fan of this guy