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Israel Folau refuses to kneel for Black Lives Matter, will only kneel for God

by Tola Mbakwe

Christian rugby star Israel Folau declined to take a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement before a match between his team, the Catalan Dragons, and Castleford Tigers on Saturday. 

This is the second successive week he's done so, and this time he was joined by two of team-mates, Benjamin Jullien and Sam Moa at the match at Emerald Headingley Stadium, Leeds.

Catalan Dragons' Israel Folau (second right) refuses to kneel in support of the Black Lives Matter movement during the Betfred Super League match at Emerald Headingley Stadium, Leeds. Photo Credit: Mike Egerton/ PA

Catalans coach Steve McNamara said after last Sunday's game that the players were free to make a personal choice on the matter and, as a devout Christian, Folau is thought to have taken the view that he will bow only to his God.

Despite the controversy, Folau was the talk of match as he led the Catalans Dragons to a 40-14 victory in the Betfred Super League

Last year, he made internationsl headlines when was sacked from his Rugby Australia contract for quoting a biblical verse saying "hell awaits" drunks, homosexuals, adulterers and other categories of sinners. 

He has been given a one year contract with the Catalan Dragons, which will be terminated if he makes similar comments linked to his faith.

The club has also been warned it will be given a substantial fine by the league authorities for such comments.

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