Israel Folau: Catalans Dragons probe complaints over rainbow flags on controversial Australian’s debut

Castleford Tigers fans complained about security ordering them to put away rainbow flags in Perpignan

Folau celebrates with his new fans after Dragons ease to victory (AP)

Catalans Dragons have begun an investigation after stadium security asked fans to remove rainbow flags throughout Israel Folau’s try-scoring debut for the French Super League side on Saturday.

The controversial signing of Folau, 30, has heaped pressure on the Dragons, off the back of his Wallabies contract being terminated last year due to homophobic social media posts.

But Folau produced on the pitch just six minutes into his debut, scoring a try and soaking up a warm welcome at the Stade Gilbert Brutus before the hosts ran out 36-18 winners over Castleford Tiger in Perpignan.

Despite no organised protests, Castleford fans complained that security ordered them to put away their rainbow flags, a symbol of the LGBT+ movement that emphasises tolerance and inclusion in society.

“We were told by about five people (who) came to us and told us were weren’t allowed to have the flags,” one woman fan told Sky Sports.

Folau made an immediate impact for the Dragons (REUTERS)

“They then came back to us later on and said it was against the views of the (Catalans) club for us to have the flags.”

The Dragons dismissed any suggestion that banning rainbow flags was part of their policy.

“It is not forbidden,” read a team statement. “We are gathering more information about what happened.”

Folau is a fundamentalist Christian and distinguished himself as one of rugby’s most devastating players after scoring 37 tries for the Wallabies. But his religious views have ensured a hostile welcome to the league.

The majority of the rugby league community has reacted angrily to Folau’s signing, including Super League executive chairman Robert Elstone labelling his arrival as a “sad day” for the competition.

Folau does have experience in League, having last played in the sport in 2010 for the Brisbane Broncos, and sparked loud cheers when he leaped high, executing a signature high catch on the try-line for an immediate impact, extending the lead to 10-0.

Cries of “Izzy! Izzy!” were heard among the near-9,000 crowd, with his teammates mobbing him in celebration, which led to Folau making a gesture of gratitude at full-time, in addition to time spent posing for selfies and interacting with his new fans.

A much more hostile atmosphere will await Folau when he plays his first match in England against Hull in March.

Dragons coach Steve McNamara refused to discuss the flag controversy at full-time.

“I am here to talk about rugby league. That is what I know, that is what I do, not any of the other stuff,” he said.

“We have signed a very talented player and he showed that today. Everybody deserves a second chance.

“When I sign a player I judge him on his playing abilities, not on his religious or political beliefs.

“I hope we can move on now and just concentrate on the rugby league.”