Manly Sea Eagles: Fans’ opinions split by Pride jersey controversy

Sea Eagles’ fans in the heartland are torn over whether players should be forced to wear a Pride jersey, or allowed to protest the decision by sitting out the match against the Roosters. Read what they have to say.

Manly Sea Eagles NRL fans and northern beaches locals are divided over a decision by a group of players to sit out their next big match in protest at the club’s decision to wear a Pride jumper.

The seven players, with deep Christian convictions, have flatly rejected the club’s wishes to wear the jersey celebrating diversity and inclusivity in Thursday’s game against the Roosters.

Their religious stand has prompted a range of reactions from fans on Tuesday from “sack them all” to “they have the right to protest”.

Bella Yeaman, 23, of Manly, with her dog Finn. Picture: David Swift.

BELLA YEAMAN, 23, MANLY

“I just think what the players are doing is just so crap.

“Surely in this day and age — it’s 2022 — these guys can support alternative communities even with their religious beliefs.

“The jersey is definitely a good idea.

“Other businesses and organisations change their logos for example, to show their customers that they support inclusion and gay pride, why can’t a football club.”

Scott Riddington, 55, from Manly Picture: David Swift.

SCOTT RIDDINGTON, 55, MANLY

“The players definitely should be able to have their say and sit out the game.

“It’s in their religion.

“They weren’t told about it and weren’t given any choice.

“If they don’t agree with what the club has done then they have every right to protest.

“It’s called free speech.”

Blake Paterson, 19, of Manly. Picture: David Swift.

BLAKE PATERSON, 19, MANLY

“I think the players have the right to their opinions, it’s a free country.

“The Eagles should have kept the design of the jersey to just all about the ‘Women in League’ round this weekend.

“The NRL could have a separate round to support diversity, but the players should still be allowed an opinion if they want to support it or not.”

Noel Purcell, 71, of Manly. Picture: David Swift.

NOEL PURCELL, 71, MANLY

“This is certainly a difficult issue that really could have been handled better by the club.

“I feel sorry for the club which seems to have been trying to do the right thing and show support for people in the community.

“Now it is in a bit of a Catch 22 — do they go ahead and play without those players, or risk being criticised for dropping the jersey altogether?

“It’s tricky.”.

Declan O’Connor, 19, of Balgowlah Heights. Picture: David Swift.

DECLAN O’CONNOR, 19, BALGOWLAH HEIGHTS

“I’m a bit 50-50 on this.

“Half of me reckons that the players should get over themselves and support their club’s decision to promote the need to support and include the LGBTQI community.

“But the other half reckons that individual players have the right to their own opinions and a right to have their say about it.”

Richard and Tracie Green, of Fairlight. Picture: David Swift.

RICHARD AND TRACIE GREEN, 50S, MANLY.

“Sack them all,” Mr Green said.

“The club should draw a line in the sand, and if the players choose not to support what the club is doing then they should be sacked.

Tracie Green said: “I support that the club is trying to be inclusive rather than exclusive.

“I think the club could have managed this better. It’s become a bit of a scandal for sure.

“But if you’re part of a club, you should back its decision to support inclusion and diversity.

“These are the days we’re living in now.”

Amelia McGirr, 18, of Belrose. Picture: David Swift.

AMELIA MCGIRR, 18, BELROSE

“It looks like the club didn’t explain properly, to the players, what it is trying to do by having the new jersey with the rainbow colours and what it means.

“But at the same time the players should have been given a chance to have their say well in advance and not suddenly be told what they must do.

“It should have been sorted out long before this.

“And the NRL should organise a separate round supporting the rainbow community.”