Folau ordered to meet chiefs over homophobic slur

Israel Folau was on Thursday summoned to meet Australian rugby bosses after stating homosexuals should go to “hell”.

The Australia full-back, a devout Christian, courted controversy once again with a comment made on Instagram.

Folau expressed his opposition of Australia’s decision to legalise same-sex marriage last year and is in the spotlight again following a social media post made on Wednesday.

The Waratahs flyer uploaded a graphic of ‘God’s plan’, which one user replied to by asking what God’s plan was for gay people?

Folau replied: “HELL… Unless they repent their sins and turn to God.”

pic.twitter.com/3mFNVjhi7l

— Israel Folau (@IzzyFolau) April 2, 2018

The 29-year-old deleted the comment, but has been ordered to meet Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle and New South Wales Rugby CEO Andrew Hore.

Castle said in a statement: “Israel’s comment reflects his personal religious beliefs, however it does not represent the view of Rugby Australia or NSW Rugby.

“We are aligned in our view that rugby is a game for all, regardless of sexuality, race, religion or gender, which is clearly articulated in Rugby’s inclusion policy.

“We understand that Israel’s comment has upset a number of people and we will discuss the matter with him as soon as possible.”

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