As the Sea Eagles continue to duck for cover following their diabolical handling of the club’s inaugural rainbow pride jersey, their rivals the Sydney Roosters managed to accommodate a footballer’s religious beliefs back in 2020.
Cross-code superstar Sonny Bill Williams, a devout Islamic man, refused to wear a Tricolours playing strip at the time featuring one of the club’s sponsors, Unibet.
The bookmaking company respected Williams’ wishes, with jerseys displaying the logos of gambling firms, alcohol companies and banks off the table due to his beliefs.
Williams also negotiated the outcome on his playing strips during his time in the English Super League with Toronto as well as his successful stints in rugby union where he was based in New Zealand, France and Japan.
Almost two years ago, the Roosters, run astutely by billionaire Nick Politis, instead offered a small business the ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ to promote themselves on the back of Williams’ jersey as a replacement for Unibet.
Manly’s inaugural pride jersey, modelled by Sean Keppie, Kieran Foran and Reuben Garrick
Seven players won’t play for Manly on Thursday due to collective religious and cultural beliefs – it leaves coach Des Hasler (pictured) scrambling to name a team for the clash versus the Roosters
It comes as Sea Eagles stars Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolu Koula and Toafofoa Sipley told Manly officials in emergency talks on Monday night they were opposed to wearing the rainbow pride jersey due to collective religious and cultural beliefs.
All seven won’t play versus the Roosters, Hasler confirmed on Tuesday.
Despite the drama, Manly owner Scott Penn said the club want to be known as a professional sporting organisation where anyone is welcome.
He also stated the Sea Eagles remain committed to wearing their pride jersey on Thursday at 4 Pines Park versus the Roosters.
It features rainbow trimming on the collar and sleeves as well as across the usual place for white trimming on the front of jumper.
‘It was totally an inclusivity and diversity jersey,’ Penn told the Sydney Morning Herald.
In 2020, the Sydney Roosters allowed Sonny Bill Williams to play with his jersey not featuring the Unibet logo due to his religious beliefs
Manly Sea Eagles owner Scott Penn said the club want to be known as a professional sporting organisation where anyone is welcome
Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V’landys believes Manly have handled the matter poorly
‘It was never just about pride. It was about saying we want everyone in the game and making them feel they can get involved.’
Penn added the seven players attracting intense criticism ‘have been put in a tough position’ and that the club ‘won’t force them them to play.’
Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V’landys conceded Manly have handled the matter poorly.
‘It should have been done collaboratively,’ he told 2GB.
‘We as a game, respect everyone. It doesn’t matter what your sexual orientation is, what your belief in marriage is, what your race is, what your colour is, we respect you as a human being.
‘The game’s policy has been that for many years, and it won’t change.’
Source: | This article originally belongs to Dailymail.co.uk