Ian Roberts – professional rugby league’s first openly gay player – says he expected a quicker reaction from the NRL following a homophobic slur used by a player on Friday night.
Warriors winger Marcelo Montoya has been charged with contrary conduct for directing a disgraceful slur at Cowboys player Kyle Feldt during their round five clash.
He has been referred straight to the judiciary and will learn his fate on Tuesday night.
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But the contrary conduct charge was announced on Sunday, almost 48 hours after the incident in question. That was the same amount of time it took Montoya, the Warriors, or the NRL to comment on the slur.
Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Roberts explained why he was disappointed with the react from the governing body in particular.
“I’m obviously disappointed about the incident, it’s saddening,” Roberts said.
“I understand things are said in the heat of the moment, but there needed to be a quicker response from the clubs and the NRL.
“To leave it for two days… what was said was very audible over the telecast.
“I don’t care if someone calls me ‘f—-t’, but I’ve said it so many times, there are people out in the suburbs and regional areas who are really struggling with their sexual identity, and those comments have consequences.
“What the soccer did with (the A-League’s first openly gay player) Josh Cavallo at the start of the year, the crowd attacked Josh with homophobic slurs, but they came out the next day and said they would not tolerate such behaviour.
“By doing so they embraced the LGBTIQA+ community. That’s what disappointed me with the league. Had they made statements straight away, that to me is embracing inclusion.”
While Feldt has not personally spoken about the slur directed at him, Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel slammed the Montoya comment.
“We were extremely disappointed to learn a homophobic slur was used by an opposing player during our match against the Warriors on Friday night,” he said in a statement.
“There is absolutely no place for hurtful or divisive language in our game.
“As a member of Pride in Sport Australia, the Cowboys are committed to being a club who promotes diversity and inclusion for all.”
Montoya will appear before the NRL judiciary via video link.
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