Simple, stupid error in the Manly Pride jersey debacle

This entire issue would have never made headlines, had the club done one thing.

Pic: Manly Digital

This entire issue would have never made headlines, had the club done one thing.

This article is opinion.

The entire Manly Sea Eagles' Pride jersey 'controversy' could have been avoided if it weren't for one, simple error.

That was, the club didn't consult the players before announcing the rainbow-coloured jersey would be compulsory for the whole team in Thursday's game against the Sydney Roosters.  

Had the club warned the players, those who took issue could have voiced their concerns - however valid or invalid you may believe them to be - and the drama would have been set aside.

Take a look at AFLW’s first Muslim player Haneen Zreika.

She chose not to play in an LGBT Pride match earlier this year after deciding she could not wear the rainbow jumper because it did not align with her religious beliefs.

Haneen Zreika.

The Giants player was able to take a beat, form a coherent statement, and bow out of the round graciously and quietly.

“As the first Australian Muslim woman in the AFLW, I have a responsibility to represent my faith and my community. This decision was extremely difficult and I appreciate the support of Giants (and) my teammates," she said.

The seven Eagles' players, however, abruptly removed themselves from the match in an emergency meeting, causing strife for themselves and the club.

Not to mention irreparable harm to the wider LGBT community.

"It's not helpful when you see sexual orientation put in the spotlight like this," Pride in Sport co-founder Andrew Purchas said. 

"Those who are same-sex attracted suffer from higher rates of depression and suicide.

"We're disappointed they're taking this approach. It adds to a level of exclusion. I hope people focus on the round itself, not the drama surrounding it." 

The seven players who will not play in Thursday's game.

Club great Ian Roberts, the code's first openly gay player, said the situation "broke my heart". 

"As an older gay may, this isn't unfamiliar," he told the Daily Telegraph.

"I can promise you every young kid on the Northern Beaches who is dealing with their sexuality would have heard about this."

To their credit, the club recognised this mistake in a press conference on Tuesday afternoon. 

“If we had suitably cooperated with key stakeholders, both internally and externally we would have cultivated hopefully, a more suitable trust that would have ideally led to our action," coach Des Hasler told a packed media room.

"Our intent was to be caring and compassionate towards all diverse groups who face inclusion issues daily. However, instead of enhancing tolerance, and acceptance, we may have hindered this."

But, by this stage, the damage was done.

Whether the players should be forced to wear the jersey or not, they should have at least had the opportunity to raise their concerns with the club before making a quick decision to walk off the job. 

Had they been able to, maybe the 'controversy' cloaking this story would have never existed to begin with.

Perhaps clubs should take note of this next time a Pride Round comes up.