The post has since been deleted.
Caitlin Moran, an Indigenous Australian rugby player, has found herself in hot water and under investigation by the NRL (National Rugby League) Integrity Unit after sparking backlash with a post discussing the death of the Queen on social media.
The Indigenous All Star, who has also represented Australia and NSW, wrote in a since-deleted Instagram post, writing: ‘Todays a good f***ing day, uncle Luke (country singer Luke Coombs) announces his tour, and this dumb dog (Queen Elizabeth) dies. Happy f***ing Friday”.
Queen Elizabeth died on Thursday afternoon in the UK, which was Friday morning in Australia.
Moran deleted the story from her Instagram roughly eight hours after it was posted.
According to ABC Australia, the NRL’s ‘integrity unit’ have since handed Moran a one-match ban and she faces a fine which would be equivalent to 25 per cent of her contract. The fine would be suspended for 12 months.
BREAKING | The NRL has issued Newcastle Knights player Caitlin Moran with a Breach Notice proposed with a fine equivalent to 25% of her current NRLW contract.
— 2GB Sydney (@2GB873) September 13, 2022
“There will be a further requirement that Moran attend such education and training as is recommended by the NRL’s Wellbeing and Education Department, in consultation with the Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council, concerning her responsibilities as a player and the appropriate use of social media,” the NRL said in a statement.
“Rugby league is an inclusive game and has a proud and strong relationship with many communities.
“Regardless of any personal views, all players and officials must adhere to the professional standards expected of them and on this occasion, the public comments made by the player have caused damage to the game.”
But not everyone was upset by the remark. Newcastle (Australia) rugby coach Ronald Griffiths, who is also Indigenous, defended the star amidst the backlash.
“I wasn’t worried,” he said.
“The relationship between Indigenous people and the monarchy is a complicated one. If Caitlin has done something then it will be investigated by the Integrity Unit and we’ll work our way through the process.”
He added: “We’re talking a little bit of negativity with Caitlin, but if we look at we’re she’s come from, in 2017 she wins us the World Cup and does her knee the year after and has probably in the wilderness since then.
‘Those are the sort of things we need to look at and celebrate. We believe she’s gone from strength to strength,” said Griffiths.
