Israel Folau slammed as ‘downright dangerous’ for latest anti-gay post

Israel Folau’s latest homophobic social media rant has drawn condemnation from around the world, with the Wallabies star’s comments slammed as beyond ‘just ignorant’.

• ‘Hell awaits you’: Folau’s career hangs in the balance

• Folau offered to quit rugby over beliefs
• Rugby community slams Folau over tweet

Wallabies star Israel Folau has been slammed as ‘downright dangerous’ following his latest homophobic posts to hit social media, with British-based LGBT charity Stonewall joining the growing legion of critics.

Folau’s future in rugby is again in doubt following another pair of explosive online posts that insult a range of people from homosexuals to “fornicators” and drunks.

Rugby Australia released a statement condemning the comments by the former NRL and AFL star, who is a devout Christian, and now face a moral dilemma about Folau’s future in the sport just five months before the World Cup in June.

Israel Folau’s future with rugby union hangs in the balance. Picture: AAP

Folau is under contract until 2022, has won 73 caps and is a key part of Michael Cheika’s plans for the tournament in Japan.

Greens politician Jason Ball — who in 2012 became just the second male Australian rules football player at any level to come out as gay — condemned the post.

“Comments like this are the reason I hid my sexuality from my teammates for years,” Ball wrote on Twitter.

“A sports star like Folau telling young people that they’ll go to hell for being gay is not just ignorant, it’s downright dangerous.”

Reaction to Folau’s post spread around the globe, with the impact also felt in the UK.

“Folau’s comments are just one example of how much work is still left to do to combat discrimination and the use of hateful language against lesbian, gay, bi and trans people,” Kirsty Clarke, director of sport at Stonewall told PA Sport.

“It’s important that Rugby Australia have stepped up to challenge Folau’s abusive comments.

“The more players, fans, clubs and organisations that stand up for equality, the sooner we kick discrimination out and make sport everyone’s game.”

On the field, Folau remains arguably Australia’s most prized asset. Picture: AFP

Former Wales international Gareth Thomas, who came out as gay in 2009, responded to Folau’s comments on Twitter.

“I don’t write this with hate or anger after Israel Folau’s comments. I write with sympathy,” the 44-year-old wrote.

“To everyone who reads it, don’t be influenced by his words. Be the better person and be YOU. Whoever YOU is..Hell doesn’t await YOU.Happiness awaits YOU.”

Openly gay former Wales star Gareth Thomas has spoken out against Folau’s comments. picture: Getty

International Gay Rugby, the global organisation for the world’s gay and inclusive rugby clubs, also hit out at the 30-year-old.

“The effects these hateful comments will have on LGBT people are enormously harmful,” the organisation said in a statement.

“We want all LGBT athletes out there to know that rugby is a sport where you are welcome and respected, a sport of values that doesn’t allow for such bigotry or discrimination of any kind.

“We are taking a keen interest on the findings of Rugby Australia’s Integrity Unit when they meet tonight and applaud the union for taking the stance that these kinds of comments are unacceptable.”