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'Might as well sack me' - Tongan Thor leaps to Samu Kerevi's defence as Reds and Wallabies star apologises for Instagram post
By Online Editors
Queensland Reds and Wallabies prop Taniela Tupou has criticised the fact that Super Rugby and international teammate Samu Kerevi has had to apologise for expressing his religious beliefs on social media.
Kerevi took to Instagram to thank Jesus for "dying on the cross for me" on Christianity's Holy Thursday over the Easter weekend.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life," Kerevi's post read.
"John 3:16
"Thank You Jesus for dying on the cross for me. I love you Jesus #AO1".
"I know a lot of gay kids and adults in our sport would love to hear a rugby leader like you say you love and respect them for who they are - are you willing to endorse that message?" wrote one fan.
"I hope you don't support Israel's comments Samu," added another.
Kerevi's post didn't appear to support Folau's controversial sentiments, and he even replied to one commenter who stated that "God is a completely homosexual man" by saying: "I'm sorry you believe that but he is a loving God. God bless mate".
However, a few days after the post was published, Kerevi posted a story on the social media platform to apologise if he had offended anyone for expressing his Christian faith.
"I apologise to anyone that I have offended in giving praise to our God on a weekend that we take off to celebrate his Sacrifice for you and I," Kerevi wrote.
"I will always give praise to Him.
"To the media, it's all love brothers & sisters, God Bless and enjoy your weekend."
In response to Kerevi's apology, Tupou, often referred to as the 'Tongan Thor', shared an article of the news to his Facebook page on Tuesday, accompanied by a heavily-critical caption.
"Seriously," his emoji-laden post began.
"Might as well sack me and all the other Pacific Islands rugby players around the world because we have the same Christian beliefs.
"I will never apologise for my faith and what I believe in, religion had [sic] got nothing to do with rugby anyways #TYJ ".
His post has since received a multitude of support from his followers.
Folau, meanwhile, will face a Rugby Australia Code of Conduct hearing on Saturday for his social media outburst against homosexuals, where he condemned them, along with drunks, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolators, to "hell".
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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