Wests Tigers make call on sanctioning Adam Doueihi amid outrage over NRL star's post

The Wests Tigers have asked Adam Doueihi for a 'please explain' over a deleted social media post in which he appeared to label LGBTQI inclusion in sport "embarrassing". However the club reportedly won't be sanctioning the under-fire playmaker.

On Sunday, the injured Tigers half replied to a post on the English Premier League's Instagram page that had the heading "How to speak about LGBTQ+ inclusion". The post came as part of Stonewall's 'Rainbow Laces' campaign, through which the EPL promotes LGBTQI inclusion with a variety of initiatives between December 2 and 7.

'OPEN TO IT': Wayne Bennett's big call on Kiwis amid Michael Maguire move

HUGE: Tedesco cops brutal truth amid Michael Maguire's NSW appointment

Doueihi wrote "embarrassing post" under the upload, which featured talking points for discussing LGBTQI inclusion. The 25-year-old has since deleted the comment, but not before it had garnered more than 9000 likes and sparked widespread backlash from fans and commentators alike. Many had screenshotted Doueihi's comment and were re-posting it to condemn the player.

The Tigers called Doueihi for an explanation on Sunday evening. The utility back is said to have told the club that he perceived the post to be dictating what people could say to the LGBTQI community, which he found "embarrassing". The five-eighth and centre denied he had intended to belittle the LGBTQI community, and deleted his comment after realising it could have been misconstrued as homophobic.

The Daily Telegraph reported on Monday that the Tigers had decided against taking further action against a "very remorseful" Doueihi. A representative of the club had earlier told AAP they were an inclusive club that would remain a safe space for fans and players. At this stage the NRL integrity unit has not been involved in the matter.

“The club is committed to being an inclusive place for all, we welcome people of all parts of society to be part of our club," the club said. "Our mission statement as a club is to enrich lives of community and that we are all inclusive.”

Adam Doueihi's previous comments cause controversy

Doueihi was raised and identifies as a Christian. In October he voiced his support for a Sydney Catholic girls' school's decision to block students from bringing female dates to their Year 12 formal.

"When a Catholic school – yes, a Catholic school – wants to teach the Catholic teachings and act in a Catholic manner towards situations, this seems to be a big issue for the minority of people to understand," he said on 2GB Radio. "What's happened to morals, what's happened to values, what's happened to respecting people's religions and what they stand for?

"We as Christians don't have anything against different types of people. All we say is keep us out of it. Stop trying to brainwash our children and cause confusion for the next generation of Catholics.

"... We don't care if you want to go and be whatever you want to be, but don't try and force it upon us and drag us along with you. If you're not into all the Catholic teachings, then don't go to a Catholic school. No one is forcing parents to stand there and send their children to certain schools."

The playmaker is currently recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered in April. Last month new head coach Benji Marshall said Doueihi could feature at some point in the 2024 season, despite concerns he could be sidelined for the entire year.

with AAP

Sign up to our newsletter and score the biggest sport stories of the week.