Wallabies coach Michael Cheika is standing by Israel Folau, refusing to take issue with his match‑winning fullback's homophobic online posts.
Speaking for the first time since Folau sparked a storm of controversy six weeks ago with the first of a series of anti‑gay posts, Cheika said anyone who disagreed with his religious beliefs ‑ including homosexuals ‑ should ignore them.
The code‑hopping superstar has suffered widespread backlash for publicising his extreme views, with the Wallabies' major sponsor Qantas outraged and others including All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara pointing out Folau's profound influence on vulnerable youngsters.
[Source: Radio NZ]
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