NRL bans rainbow flags, 'yes' and 'no' banners at grand final but controversial ad will play in the breaks
‘Yes’ and ‘No’ signs have been banned from Sunday’s NRL Grand Final but a new controversial advertisement by the Coalition for Marriage will still go to air.
The National Rugby League and ANZ Stadium have declared any political item that might “upset other patrons” will be confiscated, News Corp reports.
Security officers will be inspecting spectators’ bags and checking banners as they enter the stadium but they will be allowed to use some indiscretion, a stadium spokesman said.
It comes after former Prime Minister Tony Abbott objected to rapper Macklemore’s planned performance of his pro same-sex marriage anthem Same Love.
However, The Coalition for Marriage will air a controversial new ad on TV during the clash between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Melbourne Storm despite it being banned from broadcast during the AFL Grand Final.
Sky News reports the advertisement was not run during the AFL showdown between Richmond and Adelaide on Saturday because it was too rude.
The ad features abusive messages the Coalition for Marriage claims it’s received since the plebiscite began.
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The statements include, “I genuinely hope someone kicks your teeth in”, and “homophobic bigot”.
The ad was banned because the AFL started at 2.30pm while the NRL decider is scheduled for the later kick off at 8.30pm.
The NRL has stood by its decision in allowing Macklemore to perform at the match.
