Catalan Dragons' move to add Israel Folau to their squad for the Super League season has been a hugely controversial one. The former rugby union player was sacked by Rugby Australia after homophobic comments he made last year, with his move French-based side criticised in many quarters.
LGBTQ groups have slammed the move, with the player refusing to apologise for his previous comments. He even doubled down on them in recent months. Supporters of other clubs in the league have also voiced their objections, with one pair of supporters showing their feelings this weekend.
Two women attended the clash between Catalan Dragons and Castleford Tigers yesterday, bringing a rainbow flag to the game in France. It was a game where Folau would make his debut, scoring a try as his side claimed the win.
However one of the women, Alison Grey, soon took to Twitter to say that she was told by staff that the flag was not allowed in the stadium.
@SuperLeague @TheRFL @CTRLFC @DragonsOfficiel just been told I am not allowed this flag because the club does not allow it. How disgusting #loveislove #castleford #pride pic.twitter.com/m5vR60k9MA
— Alison Grey (@AlisonGrey91) February 15, 2020
According to the BBC, she also added:
I was twice asked to remove it. Firstly as I was told it was against health and safety. Secondly because it is against club policy.
Super League have admitted they are investigating the incident, while Catalan Dragons denied that such flags are banned at their home matches:
Rainbow flags are not banned at our ground. It is not forbidden. We are gathering more information.
Folau and his team are likely to be met with plenty more protests over the course of the season, with Wigan Warriors announcing that they will hold their annual Pride Day during the Dragons' visit on March 22nd.
