The NRL Is Clapping Back At Homophobic Rugby Fans Freaking Out About A Kiss
"Welcome to 2018!"
Whoever is in charge of the National Rugby League’s Facebook page deserves a medal for the way they have responded to homophobic idiots having a tizzy over a post-game kiss between two players.
In case you missed it, last night was the first ever women’s State of Origin match. The game drew a record-breaking crowd, garnered a great response from fans, and was capped of with a lovely moment between Queensland captain Karina Brown and NSW player Vanessa Foliaki. The pair have been dating for the past four years, and last night celebrated the historic occasion with a kiss on the pitch after the final siren.
Love always wins ❤️?#Origin #OurWay pic.twitter.com/yqQEq0dXPH
— Women’s Rugby League (@WRugbyLeague) June 22, 2018
The NRL published a photo of the kiss on their Facebook and Twitter pages, and most people reacted in a nice and rational manner. Unfortunately, there are also some dickheads out there, and they didn’t waste any time sharing their extremely terrible opinions.
“There would be public outrage if two blokes kissed exactly like that after an Origin,” wrote one commentator named Matt. “Keep that crap to the dressing shed or at home.”
To which the official NRL account replied: “Hey Matt, welcome to 2018… can’t wait for you to join us!”
When another commentator accused the NRL of “sexualising the women’s league”, the social media person responded: “if we can post a [photo] of [Sydney Roosters player] Cooper Cronk and his wife Tara kissing, then we can share a photo of Karina Brown and Ness Foliaki sharing a moment too”.
The NRL has previously come out in support of LGBTIQ causes, throwing its weight behind the Yes campaign in the recent marriage equality debate.
Ahead of the State of Origin match, Brown and Foliaki, who started dating after they were selected to play on the national team together, said the league had been supportive of their relationship.
“How open everyone was to our relationship helped a lot,” Foliaki told NRL.com. “I think it’s more accepted now and the Jillaroos make it feel like home. The coaching staff are supportive. We’re feeling all the love.”