Land Rover have taken back a car supplied to rugby player Israel Folau as part of a sponsorship deal.
The car manufacturer sponsors Rugby Australia and has part of the deal provides cars to players, but they took back the car given to Israel Folau in the wake of his controversial comments about homosexuality.
In early April Folau posted on his Instagram page saying gay people would end up in; “HELL… Unless they repent of their sins and turn to God”.
Folau made the comment in response to a post where he referred to God’s plan. A follower asked him what he thought God’s plan for gay people was, and he responded to the question.
Rugby’s biggest sponsor QANTAS as labeled his comments “very disappointing”, while Rugby Australia said the players views were not in line with the beliefs of the game’s governing body.
After meetings with Rugby Australia it was decided that no disciplinary action would be taken against the player. He had threatened to quit the sport and stand by his beliefs.
Wallabies coach Michael Chieka has shared his views on Folau’s comments saying children who looked up the player, but were disappointed in his comments should find a new idol.
Appearing on the Fox Sports panel show Kick and Chase Chieka said children needed to have strong self-esteem and the ability to detach themselves from messages they did not like.
“Self-esteem in people, no matter who they are, is extremely important. If that’s something you don’t agree with, you detach from that,” he said.
“The way it will be is ‘he’s no longer my idol’ if that’s the case. There’s been a lot made of that but self-esteem is so important and as parents, which I am, and as coaches, it’s something I try to do with the [Wallabies] lads. When players are getting the same in return – nasty messages, social media – it’s about trying to build self belief so you’re not affected by those things.” Chieka said.
OIP Staff
