‘They cannot be compelled to play’: Lee Hagipantelis on Manly pride jersey saga

·

Seven Manly players will boycott Thursday’s NRL match after the club’s decision to wear a pride jersey, citing religious and cultural reasons.

The club publicly announced the ‘Everyone in League Jersey’ on Monday, saying in a press release: “Manly Warringah Sea Eagles will proudly wear a rainbow-detailed jersey to celebrate inclusiveness during our Round 20 game against the Roosters at 4 Pines Park.”

The seven players who will boycott, as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald, include Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolu Koula and Toafofoa Sipley.

News of their withdrawal and objection to wearing the jersey has been the subject of backlash, with the players being accused of homophobia and hypocrisy.

Weighing in on the matter is the Principal of Brydens Lawyers and Chairman of the West Tigers, Lee Hagipantelis.

In an interview on SEN Breakfast with Vossy & Brandy on Tuesday, Hagipantelis acknowledged the sensitivity of the matter before going on to say: “A number of comments were made overnight which caused me some concern, of course, allegations of the boys being homophobic and the like. People need to be very careful with that.”

“But there was also criticism of the boys being prepared to wear a jumper bearing the name of a gambling company but not wearing the pride jumper. None of us are qualified and nor is it appropriate to be casting any aspersions judging someone’s cultural or religious beliefs,” he added.

Lee Hagipantelis is the Principal of Brydens Lawyers, NSW’s largest litigation firm. Photo: Brydens Lawyers

Speaking on the legal repercussions, Hagipantelis said the Manly players cannot be compelled to play nor would their employment be at risk if they object on religious or cultural grounds that are legitimately and honestly held.

“The playing contract signed by the NRL players with the club provides lawful authority for the club to direct not only where the boys play but also what they wear. As long as the lawful direction is reasonable,” Hagipantelis said.

“You can’t expect them to play in a clown’s outfit for example but you do expect them to play in a certain strip. Would it be reasonable to expect them to play in a pride jumper? Absolutely, I think we would all agree with that.

“On the other hand, the boys have objected on cultural or religious grounds. Now there are numerous pieces of anti-discrimination legislation which provide that you can not discriminate against someone on the basis of their cultural or religious beliefs.

“If these boys are stood down or they refuse to play themselves, they cannot be compromised or prejudiced so far as their employment is concerned otherwise that would be clearly unlawful.”

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria announces date for 2025 Board Elections

The Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria has announced its 2025 Board elections will be held on Sunday, June 29.

How younger Greek Australians are redefining mental health conversations

Conversations once hidden in the shadows are now in the spotlight, bringing mental health to the forefront.

NSW urged to act on worsening elder abuse crisis

A new report from Relationships Australia NSW (RANSW) reveals that 15% of elderly Australians are currently experiencing abuse.

More civil war-era mass graves found beneath Greek city park

Another grim discovery has surfaced in Greece, where 14 bodies believed to be victims of civil war-era executions have been unearthed.

Restored classic ‘Boy on a Dolphin’ returns to Greek cinemas after 70 years

Long before Greece became a go-to backdrop for global cinema, one film forever changed how the world saw it — Boy on a Dolphin.

You May Also Like

Sydney cancels Greek Independence Day march due to coronavirus fears

The Sydney march to commemorate Greece's Independence Day on Sunday, March 29, has been cancelled amid fears over the rapid spread of coronavirus.

East Med, energy crisis and Prespes: Hot topics at the 7th Delphi Economic Forum

Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has called for a joint EU response to the energy crisis at the 7th Delphi Economic Forum.

Effy Alexakis and Yanni Dramitinos’ ‘Face off: Portraits’ exhibition launch overflows

Luna Studio Art Gallery played host to the launch of the photography exhibition, 'Face off: Portraits' by Effy Alexakis and Yannis Dramitinos