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'I just want to address that I mistakenly liked Israel Folau's post'
By Online Editors
Ireland international centre Bundee Aki has apologised after he "mistakenly liked" an anti-gay social media post by controversial Australian player Israel Folau.
Folau has requested a code of conduct hearing - it will take place on May 4 - after he was issued with a breach notice by Rugby Australia over his homophobic social media posts.
The union's integrity unit ruled Folau had committed a "high-level breach of the Professional Players' Code of Conduct", warranting the termination of his employment contract, and he was given 48 hours to accept the breach of contract or refer it to a hearing.
The 30-year-old devout Christian said on his Instagram account that "hell awaits" for "drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists, idolators".
England No8 Billy Vunipola offered support for Folau's view on his own Instagram account, resulting in formal warnings from his club Saracens and the Rugby Football Union.
Vunipola was booed throughout last Saturday's Heineken Champions Cup semi-final against Munster and he was also confronted by a fan during Saracens' lap of honour at the Ricoh Arena following their 32-16 victory.
Connacht player Aki, who has won 17 caps for Ireland, apologised on his Twitter account. "I just want to address that I mistakenly liked Israel Folau's post without paying any attention to the content," Aki tweeted.
"When I realised what the post was about I immediately unliked it straight away, as it does not reflect my views as a Christian.
"Yes I do believe in God, but my belief is that he is a God of kindness, peace and loves people in all aspects.
"I have family members, friends, and I have worked with many people who are gay and I have nothing but love and respect for everyone of them.
"I do want to apologise for any confusion or offence this may have\ caused anyone, and I will pay more attention to what I 'like' in future."
- Press Association
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Latest Comments
Hoping Riley Higgins kicks on. Proctor must be 13 moving forward.
Go to commentsRassie should be "miles ahead" of Razor, he's been involved with the Boks as full-time Director of Rugby since 2017. And the Boks should be ahead of the current ABs, they have kept all of their superstars.
Clearly, we are rebuilding from the floor up. But the one place that the Boks are not "miles ahead" is on the paddock. A brand new, relatively untested coaching team, with a new team still in the making, came close in Sth Africa.
Change takes time. Whatever this magic instant innovation potion is you allude to, it doesn't exist. Just ask Rassie. It's taken the Boks years to develop. I've no doubt Razor will get us there.
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