Controversial Israel Folau is booed by supporters at Twickenham
Controversial Israel Folau is booed by supporters at Twickenham during his appearance for the World XV against the Barbarians… but Steve Hansen insists he CAN’T be ostracised from rugby forever for his views
- The hugely controversial Israel Folau played for the World XV at Twickenham
- He was subjected to booing and protests from the crowd on Sunday afternoon
- World XV coach Steve Hansen said he can’t be ostracised forever for his views
Israel Folau was the target for booing and protests from the Twickenham crowd when the controversial former Australia star appeared at the home of English rugby on Sunday.
But his World XV coach Steve Hansen said the talented back can’t be ostracised from the rugby world forever for his views.
The presence of Folau in the World XV side for their game with the Barbarians was controversial given his previous comments that gay people would go to hell unless they repented for their sins.
Folau was booed when he touched the ball and when scoring a first-half try by a Twickenham crowd who demonstrated against his appearance with banners as well as their voices.
The RFU reiterated their support for the LGBTQ+ community in the matchday programme and also flew the Pride flag at the ground.
The hugely controversial Israel Folau played for the World XV at Twickenham on Sunday
He put in a fine display but was subjected to boos and protests from the Twickenham crowd
Hansen wore a Pride wristband and said: ‘Every human being deserves to be loved and cared for and judged on their own merits.
‘Everyone is allowed an opinion. We don’t necessarily have to agree with each other on our opinions but you are entitled to have one.
‘You can’t be punished for the rest of your life for having an opinion that most of us disagree with.
‘I’ve always been a great believer you can’t help somebody change by leaving them on the outside.’
Folau will play for Tonga at this year’s World Cup and showed his undoubted ability with a fine, try-scoring performance against Eddie Jones’ Barbarians.
While he was loudly booed regularly, there was also a notable gasp of admiration from the Twickenham crowd when Folau delivered one outrageous offload.
The RFU flew the Pride flag at the ground to reiterate their support for the LGBTQ+ community
World XV coach Steve Hansen said Folau can’t be ostracised from rugby forever for his views
Source: Read Full Article