SM
Thursday, November 7
Upcoming predictions and previews

Australia

Israel Folau fundraising page removed for 'violating terms of service'

:Headline: Israel Folau fundraising page removed for 'violating terms of service': ID:362805: from db_amp
The crowdfunding platform took the fundraising page down on Monday.

An online fundraising page by sacked former Wallabies full-back Israel Folau has been taken down for violating GoFundMe's terms of service, the crowdfunding platform has said.

The rugby star launched the fundraising drive last week, asking for 3million Australian dollars (£1.6m) to help towards the costs of his legal action against Rugby Australia.

On Monday, GoFundMe said it was removing Folau's campaign from its website and would refund the thousands of dollars already donated.

Israel Folau's contract was terminated by Rugby Australia (Joe Giddens/PA)

"After a routine period of evaluation, we have concluded that this campaign violates our terms of service," said Nicola Britton, of GoFundMe Australia.

"As a company, we are absolutely committed to the fight for equality for LGBTIQ+ people and fostering an environment of inclusivity. While we welcome GoFundMes engaging in diverse civil debate, we do not tolerate the promotion of discrimination or exclusion."

"Our platform exists to help people help others," she added.

Folau set up the page after his 4million Australian dollars (£2.2m) contract was terminated following his posts on social media that all homosexuals would go to hell.

An independent panel upheld that decision and Folau announced he was taking the case to the Fair Work Commission.

The 30-year-old was accused of greed following the launch of the fundraising drive, with ex-Australia wing Drew Mitchell heavily critical and referencing the many seriously ill people using GoFundMe to foot medical bills.

Mitchell tweeted: "You are in a fight that you chose to be in after you broke the terms of your contract, the kids below are in a fight they never wanted to be in and yet you think you deserve donations more than they do? It's no longer about religion, it's about you and your greed."

Folau would have proved one of Australia's top draws at the autumn's World Cup in Japan, but his 73-Test Wallabies career is in tatters.

Former Wallabies centre Morgan Turinui posted: "Whichever side you fall on the Izzy Folau debate surely we can all see the ignominy of this."

Folau had already received more than 750,000 Australian dollars (£409,000) in donations to the website, on which he had added a statement.

"My faith is the most important thing in my life," he wrote.

"I try to live my life according to the Bible and I believe it is my duty to share the word of the Bible.

"Earlier this year, I uploaded some messages from the Bible on my Instagram page. I believe that sharing the Bible is an act of love and compassion.

"Indeed, what makes our country so wonderful is that we have such a diverse community made up of so many different cultures and values.

"But my faith defines me as a person. I do not believe that it is fair or right that I be punished for my religious beliefs.

"Rugby Australia have already said that they will divert significant resources to fight me in court. Even if I win, Rugby Australia can appeal.

"My wife Maria and I have already spent over 100,000 Australian dollars (£55,000) of our own money, and that was just to try and deal with Rugby Australia's internal tribunal processes.

"The money I am asking for is solely to fund the rest of my action in court.

"I know I am putting myself on the line – this action will be very costly in terms of time, money and reputation – but I do not intend to stop now.

"I have the fight of my life on my hands and every little bit will help."

amp_article__362805 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2019-06-24 03:37:27:
html db last update - 2019-06-24 03:37:27 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Israel Folau

Click here for more stories about Australia

Share this article now:
Read more about Israel Folau Rugby Union
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool108111961325
2Manchester CityMan City1072121111023
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest10541147719
4Chelsea105322012818
5Arsenal105321711618
6Aston Villa105321715218
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs1051422111116
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104421714316
9Fulham104331413115
10Bournemouth104331312115
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104331010015
12Brentford104151920-113
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd10334912-312
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham103251319-611
15Leicester CityLeicester102441418-410
16Everton102351017-79
17Crystal Palace10145813-57
18Ipswich TownIpswich100551021-115
19Southampton10118719-124
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves100371427-133
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .