https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/su...n/news-story/216d9a39408661eeb26876933055bd96
Israel Folau may have been expecting a slightly hostile reception for his rugby league comeback, but his home crowd treated him to a hero's welcome.
The Catalans Dragons supporters filled the ground with chants of "Izzy! Izzy!" as Folau crossed to score a dream debut try after just five minutes.
The former Wallaby, whose signing after homophobic social media posts courted widespread controversy, was mobbed by teammates as he celebrated his first points as a Super League star.
He then received a warm reception on full-time, holding his hands up to the crowd, giving them a clap and a thumb's up in recognition.
He then wandered around the ground to mingle with fans, stopping to take selfies and chatting with supporters.
At least one protester was confronted by Dragons official and asked on two occasions to remove a rainbow flag.
Rival Super League clubs have promised some forms of protest in their fixture against Folau's Catalans side. He may expect a less welcoming crowd in his first trip away.
A woman protesting at Israel Folau's Super League debut was allegedly told to remove her rainbow flag.
Alison Grey revealed she was confronted by officials on two occasions and asked to remove the flag, but she kept it draped around her shoulders in an act of protest.
She was first told the flag contravened healthy and safety and the second time around that it was against club policy.
Her brother Chris Grey first revealed on Twitter: "This is my sister at the Dragons vs Castleford game. She has been asked to remove her rainbow flag at homophobic Israel Folau's debut.
"Absolutely disgusting."
Folau's signing has been met with widespread condemnation following the axing of his Wallabies contract over inflammatory and homophobic posts on social media.
Folau scored five minutes into his debut.Source: Getty Images
Some clubs have already pledged to protest in their next match against the Dragons while Catalans bosses have been under pressure to explain the Folau signing.
Grey then followed up on Twitter: "Catalan have signed a known homophobe who cannot be registered to play rugby in Australia, and are now acting like this. Action must be taken. It is unacceptable."
https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/su...t/news-story/32ec82e02d75f0fa7f27dc289f45459c
