‘Hell awaits you’: Israel Folau embroiled in another anti-gay social media storm

Israel Folau is headed for a showdown with Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle after yet another anti-homosexual message was posted on his social channels on Wednesday night.

Israel Folau has courted controversy once again.

Israel Folau is headed for a showdown with Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle after yet another anti-homosexual message was posted on his social media channels on Wednesday night.

A message on his Instagram account was published on his Instagram account in which he said that “hell awaits” “drunks, homosexuals, adulteres, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolators” — adding they should “repent” as “only Jesus saves”.

He added: “Those that are living in Sin will end up in Hell unless you repent. Jesus Christ loves you and is giving you time to turn away from your sin and come to him.”

In April 2018, Rugby Australia decided not to sanction Folau after he isused a series of tweets containing anti-homosexual messgaes or imagery.

He later stated his position in a column for Players Voice.

“I don’t expect everyone to believe what I believe,” wrote Folau. “That goes for teammates, friends and even family members, some of whom are gay.

“I don’t pretend to have all the answers in life. It can be difficult making the right decisions.

“You are always trying to reconcile the truth from the Bible with things you feel inside. But I have faith that God’s path is the right one and that path is outlined in the Bible. I will keep sharing that.”

Folau’s latest social media post caused a kerfuffle on Twitter.

Raelene Castle needs to be front and centre tomorrow morning after Israel Folau's social media post today... big decisions ahead.

— Liam Flanagan (@ljflannas) April 10, 2019

Israel Folau has gone on a preaching rant. Wonder if he realises the more you preach religion in your face style, you’re gonna make people like you even less

— Rocké Santa Crüze (@BRFCAustralia) April 10, 2019

And it was at this moment.... Australia lost their best player for the World Cup

Fan base was halved

Congratulations Israel Folau on your disgusting views.... @GAGR @rugbycomau @RugbyReg pic.twitter.com/HDnONpcO9A

— Profit Punter (@profit_punt) April 10, 2019

#IsraelFolau at it again on twitter. Believe what you want to believe, but don’t spread hate.

— Michael Atkinson (@kinson88) April 10, 2019

I hope I never see Israel Folau on a rugby pitch ever again.

Before someone screams “free speech!!”, he’s free to say it, I’m free to say I find him odious for doing so and we are all free to choose not to buy tickets to watch him play. https://t.co/woPahAf5uN

— MarcB (@555Husker) April 10, 2019

MORE TO COME ...