By Adrian Proszenko and Billie Eder
Bulldogs star Josh Addo-Carr has apologised for uploading an Instagram post linking the conflict in the Middle East with Indigenous land rights, expressing remorse for what he initially thought was a “message of respect for all people”.
The Canterbury winger uploaded a photo of the Palestinian and Aboriginal flags with the caption “One struggle, one fight”.
Bulldogs winger Josh Addo-Carr uploaded a post to his instagram story with the Palestinian flag.Credit: Getty/Instagram
“I would like to begin by apologising for any offence I have caused due to my recent social media post,” Addo-Carr said in a statement.
“As a proud First Nations man, I saw a message of support against displacement and land rights, and I shared this without full consideration to, or understanding of, the current events happening overseas.
“I recognise that this is a mistake. As soon as it was brought to my attention, I deleted my post and felt remorse.
“Having gone away and looked at what is happening overseas, it is a complex situation. There are no winners in war and where there is loss of life. The message I thought I was sharing, was a message of respect for all people.
“This is the message I wish to share now. Respect; respect for each other, and each other’s culture.”
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is in its fourth day of heavy fighting since Hamas rockets and gunmen ravaged Israel on Saturday.
Israel has called up 360,000 reservists to fight as the fate of an estimated 150 hostages taken into Gaza remains unknown. More than 1000 Israelis have been killed since Saturday, with a further 3400 injured, while the Palestinian death toll is at least 770 with 4000 more wounded by Tuesday.
Addo-Carr said he wants to “own his mistake”.
“I recognise that I am a public figure and someone that young kids especially look up to, and I want to do better. I want to be a good role model for them, for the sport and for my culture,” his statement continued.
“That’s why I would like to own this mistake, and recent actions, express my sincere apologies, and ask that we aim to treat each other with respect.
“As the situation overseas is ongoing, complex, and emotive, I won’t be making any further comments at this time. My thoughts are with anyone affected by the situation.”
Addo-Carr’s post comes just one week after he was dropped from the Kangaroos squad and handed a two-match suspension for his involvement in a brawl during the Koori Knockout.
This masthead reported last week that the Canterbury winger was already on the outer with some people at the Belmore club, and the club expected more from him as a senior player.
The Bulldogs declined to comment on the post, and the NRL are monitoring the situation.