The seven rebels cited “religious, cultural and family concerns” as reasons. The boycott sparked many discussions, in which Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also joined. According to him, sport is becoming more inclusive with initiatives to support, among other things, LGBT people.
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But if he expected to be able to get the seven players to start in the designated clothes, then he was wrong.
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Neither will play in Thursday’s crucial National Rugby League game against the Sydney Roosters. “In this particular case, I feel for these players. They weren’t included in the kit discussions at all,” said team coach Hasler, referring to the club’s management’s decision to send players onto the field wearing a shirt with modest Pride motifs in the chest stripes. “At the very least, they should have been consulted,” the coach added.
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At the same time, he apologized for the situation to all minorities, including the LGBT community. “Our intention was to be sensitive and passionate about advocating for all the different groups that face inclusion issues on a daily basis,” Hasler said.
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The whole affair, he said, was poorly prepared and “caused a lot of people considerable confusion, discomfort and pain. Hasler himself said that he would “wear the rainbow outfit with pride”.
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