Mariners’ Mario Shabow posts support of Israel Folau to Instagram

Mario Shabow posts support of sacked Australian rugby star Israel Folau on Instagram before a brewing social media storm forces him to delete it.

The Instagram account of Mario Shabow, of Central Coast Mariners, where a surprise post of support for Israel Folau was made.

• Secret pitch to bring the NSW Waratahs to the Central Coast
• Take a look at Gosford’s hot new food precinct — The Bon Pavilion

Central Coast Mariners midfielder Mario Shabow set tongues wagging on Friday night when he uploaded a photo of Israel Folau to his Instagram page with the hashtag #StandWithFolau

Mariners chief executive Shaun Mielekamp was informed of the bizarre post while watching The Smurfs movie with his small children.

Mr Mielekamp said: “We’ve spoken to (Shabow’s) management and by the time we’d spoken to people he had taken it down of his own accord.”

Shabow’s Instagram post supporting Israel Folau

Usain Bolt with Mario Shabow during Central Coast Mariners training at Central Coast Stadium. Picture: Brett Costello

“ (Folau) is a big topic at the moment but not one this club has cause to be involved in.”

The post was screenshotted and posted to the Central Coast Mariners Members Facebook group where it was viewed and quickly commented upon and criticised.

Shabow, 20, is on a two year deal at the Mariners, signed in June 2018, following stints with both Western Sydney Wanderers and Newcastle Jets.

Central Coast Mariners CEO Shaun Mielekamp Picture: Troy Snook