Manly Sea Eagles players who are boycotting the team's NRL match this week on religious grounds are expected not to be in attendance at the game over fears of how the crowd may respond.
Seven players won't feature against the Sydney Roosters on Thursday night, withdrawing themselves from selection over the club's decision to wear an LGBTQIA-themed jersey.
Manly will become the first NRL club to wear a jersey in support of the LGBTQIA community, replacing the white trims and stripes on their maroon jersey with a rainbow colour way. However, Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau'atu, Tolutau Koula and Toafofoa Sipley have all withdrawn on religious grounds.
The group have drawn plenty of negative attention since it was announced they would not be playing, however it was expected they would be at the venue to support the team.
The Daily Telegraph reports that will not be the case, as Manly officials have told the group to stay away from the match after speaking with players and the club's security provider. There is a fear that their attendance could lead to crowd violence or anti-social behaviour be directed at them.