Manly manager Des Hasler has issued an impassioned apology for the club’s “failed execution” of his Pride shirt, which he described as a “major mistake”.
Hasler has confirmed seven players will miss Thursday’s game against the Roosters, but said it would be “inappropriate” to reveal their names. Manly’s squad for the game will be announced on Tuesday afternoon, with Hasler promising a team “that will be competitive”.
He said he accepted the players’ decision to walk out of the game and said there would be an “internal review” to establish what went wrong.
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“We are here today to apologize for a major mistake made by the Manly club,” Hasler said.
“The change to our traditional shirt was the application of the colors of the rainbow. The intention was to represent diversity and inclusion to embrace all groups that feel marginalized and face discrimination .
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“Unfortunately, the execution of what was intended to be an extremely important initiative was poor.”
Hasler said the players were not included in the discussions about the decision to wear the shirt. He pointed to the club’s management as the source of the problem that led to the farcical situation the Sea Eagles now find themselves in.
“There was little consultation or collaboration with key stakeholders, both inside and outside the club,” he admitted.
Manly Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler talks about the club’s pride shirt saga. (new)
“This mismanagement has caused significant confusion, distress and pain for many people, particularly those groups whose human rights we were trying to support.
“We’ve even negatively affected our playgroup, a wonderful group of people that includes many different racial and cultural backgrounds.
“We wish to sincerely apologize for the mistakes we have made.
“Our intention was to be supportive and compassionate to all groups that face issues of inclusion every day. Instead of improving tolerance and acceptance, we may have hindered it. That was the opposite of our intention.
“I sincerely hope that the communities, the NRL, our players and our staff can accept our apologies.”
Manly manager Des Hasler says the club made a “significant mistake” in their handling of their pride shirt. (Getty)
Hasler said the club had discussions with the NRL about whether or not to retire the jersey, but will wear it against the Roosters on Thursday.
He said the club must embrace former Sea Eagles forward Ian Roberts, the first openly gay rugby league player.
“I personally played with Ian Roberts and I wholeheartedly admire his contribution to the game. He was an asset. He is a great man and a great citizen of our society. The role he has played for our club, the NRL and the community. can’t be understated,” Hasler said.
“We must continue to seek their guidance and opinions.
“While we’ve come a long way as a society, there’s still a lot of work to be done, particularly in education, and that includes the NRL.”
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