AFL star explains why he unliked Folau's social media post
Geelong's Gary Ablett Jnr has explained why he unliked Israel Folau's controversial post, with the AFL star saying he had not meant to cause offence.
Ablett posted a Biblical quote on Instagram for Easter and with it he gave an explanation for why he liked and unliked Folau's post.
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has said Ablett and Carlton's Matthew Kennedy were spoken to by their clubs for liking the post and that they then unliked it.
Rugby Australia has terminated Folau's contract for the post, but he will challenge the decision at a code of conduct hearing.
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Folau is in trouble for sharing the post that said hell awaited "“drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolators”.
The post added that they should repent as only Jesus saves.
Ablett, who is also deeply religious, marked Easter Saturday by sharing the well-known New Testament quote: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
The Cats star added on the post that coverage of the Folau controversy had saddened him and his family.
"I want to make it clear that I love ALL people regardless of race, religion, gender or sexuality," Ablett posted.
"I have always admired how strong Izzy is in his faith, it is not easy to share faith in the public sphere, and this is why I initially 'liked' his post.
"I understand that liking this post appeared offensive and this is why I chose to remove my 'like' from the post."
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It might be legal but he’s sailing pretty close to the wind. Not a lot needs to go wrong for Finau to end up in the bin. Was it late? Not quite, but borderline. High? A couple of CM within the laws, no room for error with that one. Did he wrap the arms? There was a token effort to wrap one arm, the intent was clearly to hit with the shoulder. So yeah, it’s legal, just. But as we all know, a very slight change in the dynamics could easily have him seeing red. Hopefully not when it really matters.
Go to commentsYou forget this is Rassie Erasmus who is still holding the Springbok keys. Even with Felix Jones orchestrating a really tight RWC SF last year. It still wasn't enough to get England past their particular Springbok Monkey in world cups. The reason is FJ was going off of what they did in 2019 not necessarily adapting to current Springboks. So yes, Australia can get passed England because let's be honest, England have a one track strategy, Springboks do not. Even with rush defense I wouldn't be surprised if Rassie continually tweaks it. Also bear in mind Rassie is happy to sacrifice a few mid year and inter World Cup matches to pin point how opposition plays and how to again tweak strategies to get his Springboks in peak performance for the next World Cup. As much as most teams like to win games in front of them and try to win everything, Rassie always makes sure to learn and train for the greatest showdown International Rugby has to offer. Tbh, most people remember World Cup wins and ignore intermediate losses as a result but will remember also WC losses, Ireland, even if they won games in the interim. So even if games are won against the Springboks, it's likely Rassie is just getting a feel for how opposition is moving and adapt accordingly…in time. For Rassie, a loss is never a loss because he uses it as a chance to learn and improve. Sometimes during a game, again like the England match in last year's Semi Final.
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