Qantas responds to Israel Folau’s ‘Hell awaits you’ anti-gay Instagram tirade

The Wallabies’ major sponsor has condemned Israel Folau’s latest social media comments.

The Wallabies’ major sponsor has condemned Israel Folau’s latest social media outburst and is awaiting Rugby Australia’s review into the controversy.

RA’s integrity unit is investigating after Folau took to Instagram last night to proclaim hell awaits “drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists and idolaters”.

The three-times John Eales Medallist faces sanctioning — and possibly even having his multi-million-dollar four-year contract torn up — after the code’s governing body condemned his posts as “unacceptable”.

Qantas, which threatened to pull its sponsorship with the Wallabies last year following a series of similarly provocative posts from Folau, echoed the disappointment of RA and NSW Rugby.

“These comments are really disappointing and clearly don’t reflect the spirit of inclusion and diversity that we support,” a Qantas statement said.

“We are pleased to see Rugby Australia’s condemnation of the comments and will await the outcome of their review.”

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An Instagram post from Folau’s account last night read: “WARNING: Drunks, Homosexuals, Adulterers, Liars, Fornicators, Thieves, Atheists, Idolaters. HELL AWAITS YOU. Repent! ONLY JESUS SAVES.”

The post accompanied a caption­ written by the Wallabies player that said “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.”

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

“Rugby Australia is aware of a post made by Israel Folau. The content within the post is un­acceptable,’’ the statement said.

“It does not represent the values of the sport and is disrespectful to members of the rugby community. The Rugby Australia integrity unit has been ­engaged on the matter.”

The NSW Waratahs have also released a statement this morning condeming the comments made by Folau.

The @NSWWaratahs have released a statement on Israel Folau's homophobic social media post.

"NSWRU and Rugby Australia deem the content within the post as unacceptable." pic.twitter.com/l7VLs3xQyk

— 2GB 873 (@2GB873) April 10, 2019

Folau also took to Twitter, posting: “The devil has blinded so many people in this world, ­REPENT and turn away from your evil ways. Turn to Jesus Christ who will set you free.”

Former Wallabies World Cup captain Stirling Mortlock believes Folau has painted Rugby Australia into a corner with his latest round of explosive online posts.

Mortlock is personally puzzled by Folau’s posts but believes the try-scoring ace has forced RA’s hand this time. “I actually think he’s pushed Rugby Australia into a corner and they have to act,” Mortlock said this monring.

“But you’d love to get to the bottom as to why? Why has he done it?

“Everyone knows his point of view, right? He’s done this a number of times already.

“So it’s more (about) what was the motivations to going again knowing full well that he was probably going to get sanctioned? Interesting times. Interesting times.”

Matildas captain Sam Kerr labelled Folau’s post embarrassing.

“Australia, we should not let athletes or ANYONE preach this hate in our country. You must be proud @wallabies @nswwaratahs”.

Folau was warned last year after making anti-gay comments on social media, but avoided any disciplinary action. He has publicly aired his anti-gay stance and opposition to same-sex marriage, with one previous message reading that God’s plan for gay people was “HELL ... Unless they repent of their sins and turn to God.”

Rugby Australia chief Raelene Castle grilled him on the issue at the time and the organisation distanced itself from his views as it walked a fine line between freedom of expression and its commitment to inclusiveness.

Those comments angered Wallabies sponsors including Qantas, which threatened to pull its support. Folau has played 73 games for Australia.

In the wake of last year’s scandal, Cheika refused to criticise Folau and said youngsters should find another idol if they don’t agree with their sporting heroes.

Fellow Wallaby David Pocock, a strong advocate of marriage equality, insisted at the time that Folau’s outspoken views would not affect harmony within the national team.

With agencies