Gay ex-Sea Eagle Ian Roberts wants to speak with boycotters, reveals details of club’s pride jersey plan

The first openly gay rugby league player has shared his gut-wrenching reaction to seven Manly Sea Eagles stars refusing to don a rainbow-coloured pride jersey.

Retired Manly Sea Eagles great Ian Roberts expressed his devastation on Tuesday ahead of Thursday’s match against the Sydney Roosters.

Seven players have stood down for the crucial clash, reportedly citing religious beliefs for not wearing the LGBTQIA-inclusive jersey.

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Roberts, who came out while playing at the Manly Sea Eagles, said he had been surprised the backlash to the decision had not been prevalent sooner.

Having been approached about participating in publicity a month ahead of the game, Roberts noted there didn’t appear to be any initial hesitation.

“I was approached a month ago to see if I would be interested in doing any publicity and I was fully on board and it was an incredibly nice experience,” he told reporters.

“When I was approached a month ago, I was surprised that there wasn’t any pushback. I was surprised up until a few days ago that it had taken this long for there to be pushback.”

Roberts said while he respected the right of players to opt out of playing, he would like an opportunity to sit down and explain what the match meant to the LGBTQIA community.

Ian Roberts has shared his reaction to the controversy surrounding the pride jersey. Picture: Sky NewsSource: news.com.au

“This is the type of conversation – it’s probably not the way we wanted it to start – but we’re having this conversation now so I’m seeing it in a positive light,” he said.

“I fully respect those players that are choosing not to play and their right not to play with their religious beliefs. I would love, given the opportunity, just to sit around the table with those guys and just have a conversation with them.”

He explained “pride rounds should be about people feeling and being made to feel they are worthy of being here”.

“That’s what a pride round is. It isn’t a thing about exclusivity … it’s just about saying the LGBTQIA community are part of the greater community and you are welcome here.

“All of you, as diverse as you are, whatever colour, whatever sexuality, whatever identity, you are welcome here. I mean that with full sincerity.”

Being a longstanding member of the LGBTQIA community, Roberts said the controversy was deeply personal to him because he had “lost friends to suicide and [seen] the consequences of what homophobia and transphobia – all the phobias – can do to people”.

The hardest part, he said, was the impact the pushback from players would inevitably have on young people across the country.

Roberts respects the players’ decisions but hopes to speak with them personally. Picture: Sky NewsSource: news.com.au

“I just wish I could sit around the table with those players and explain to them that unfortunately there are kids out in the suburbs, out in the regions, today that might not have heard many stories in the last month, but I can promise you, they heard this story,” he said.

Manly Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler apologised on Tuesday for the misstep in executing plans for the Pride Round and confirmed his team would be seven players down for the match at 4 Pines Park in Brookvale later this week.

“We are here today to apologise for a significant mistake made by the Manly Sea Eagles football club,” he said.

“The jersey’s intent was to support the advocacy and human rights pertaining to gender, race, culture, ability and LGBTQ movements.

“Sadly, the execution of what was intended to be an extremely important initiative was poor. There was little consultation or collaboration between key stakeholders, both inside and outside the club.

“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. This was the opposite of our intent.

Roberts came out as gay while playing for the Manly Sea Eagles.Source: News Corp Australia

“This poor mismanagement has caused significant confusion, discomfort and pain for many people.

“We wish to apologise to the LGBTQ community who embrace the rainbow colour for pride and advocacy and human rights issues. We accept your cultural beliefs and hope that you can accept our apology.”

He said “none of the coaching staff nor the players had prior knowledge of the jersey” ahead of it being publicly announced, and said players would not wear it “as it conflicts with their cultural and religious beliefs”.

“Their spirituality is a central part of their well being. The club has made an error from which it will learn.”