The death of Queen Elizabeth II has provoked a lot of reaction in a sporting context in these islands, and the reverberations are also being felt as far away as Australia. Caitlin Moran, a player in the Australian NRLW (women's National Rugby League) has been suspended for one game following an Instagram post about the Queen's death.
Following an investigation by the National Rugby League's Integrity Unit, NRLW Newcastle Knights player Caitlin Moran was handed a one match ban on Tuesday after her comments on social media on Friday regarding the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Caitlin Moran's Deleted Social Media Post
In a since-deleted Instagram stories post, Caitlin Moran wrote on Friday 9th September:
Todays a good fucking day, uncle Luke announces his tour, and this dumb dog dies. Happy fucking Friday
'Uncle Luke' is in reference to country singer Luke Combs, whilst 'dumb dog' is in reference to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Moran has an Aboriginal background and in her Instagram bio she calls herself a 'First Nations woman'
Moran took down the post roughly 8 hours after originally uploading it.
Moran received heavy backlash from many commentators, including popular local radio presenter Ray Hadley, who said her post was "perhaps the most reprehensible thing I've ever seen connected to Rugby League" before calling for her to be suspended.
Club Statement
Yesterday the National Rugby League's Integrity Unit ruled that Moran would be suspended for a single game for the social media post.
'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.'
The Newcastle Knights have released the following statement
The Newcastle Knights have today supported the National Rugby League Integrity Unit’s move to issue player Caitlin Moran with a one game suspension and undisclosed fine, wholly suspended for a period of 12 months, in relation to a post she made on social media on Friday 9 September 2022.
She will also be required to attend education and training as recommended by the NRL Wellbeing and Education department in consultation with the Club and the Australian Rugby League Indigenous Council.
In addition, the Club has committed to undertake further educational programs for both NRLW and NRL squads.
The Club has and will continue to provide Moran with appropriate support and will be making no further comment on the matter.
The NRL has handed down a penalty to NRLW star Caitlin Moran over a controversial social media post about the death of Queen Elizabeth II. #9News https://t.co/eKJx31rw3p
— 9News Australia (@9NewsAUS) September 13, 2022
Coach's comments
Newcastle Knights coach Ronald Griffiths, who also is Aboriginal, backs his player after recent defeat to Sydney Roosters in which Moran played whilst being under investigation.
I wasn't worried. The relationship between Indigenous people and the Monarchy is certainly a complicated one.
Griffiths rather wanted to draw attention away from the controversy and instead celebrate Moran's achievements over recent years, winning the World Cup with the Jillaroos (The Australian women's national rugby league team) in 2017 before rupturing her ACL in 2018. In closing, Griffiths said that:
Those are the sort of things we need to look at and celebrate. We believe she's gone from strength to strength.
A number of academics have criticised the decision to suspend Moran, given the British Empire's less-than-gilded colonial legacy in Australia.
Punishing an Aboriginal woman for having a perspective on the violence and harmed caused by colonisation? Suspended from playing, 25% pay cut, and told she has to receive education and speak to the ‘Indigenous council’. Shame @NRLWomens @NRLKnights @NRL https://t.co/fbn3ooqXp2
— Nessa Turnbull-Roberts (@TurnbullVanessa) September 13, 2022
This is some BS. But yeah the policing of Indigenous women’s social media is a thing hey. https://t.co/vxPI4U7uCC
— Chelsea Watego (@drcwatego) September 13, 2022
Moran has five days to respond to the notice where she will either face a one match ban for her comments or be issued with a fine equivalent to 25% of her yearly salary.
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