Owners reverse decision to quit over homophobia

The owners of a rugby league club have U-turned on their decision to stand down due to homophobic abuse.

Kaue Garcia and Ryan O'Neill had announced their intention to leave Keighley Cougars last month, after seven years of running the Betfred Championship club, which has become well known for its support for the LGBTQ+ community under the pair's ownership.

"The constant personal attacks have taken a toll," the married gay couple said in a statement, citing the effects on their mental health.

Garcia and O'Neill said they had reversed their decision after "an extraordinary outpouring of support", adding: "Together, we're going to build something that Keighley can be proud of."

Since taking over at Keighley, Garcia and O'Neill have taken steps to show their commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.

They have staged an annual Pride match and created the sport's first Pride Terrace where fans could support the team in an environment "free from prejudice".

Rainbow flags fly atop their Cougar Park stadium year-round.

Fans turned out in force to support Garcia and O'Neill at Keighley's home match against Swinton on Sunday, with O'Neill admitting he and Garcia had "wobbled a lot" on their initial decision after seeing the reaction from supporters.

He and Garcia had held discussions with someone looking to take over the club.

On the decision to stay, he said: "What we hadn't realised was that we have an army of kindness within our club.

"In today's world, negativity often shouts the loudest. It can sometimes make you believe hate has won. What we've learned over the last week is that loyalty and decency are far stronger - they're just sometimes quieter until they need to be heard."

Garcia said the club's supporters had reminded the pair they could not "let hate win".

"The incredible support has given us renewed energy and belief to continue building that vision," he added.

On the pitch, Cougars fell to their sixth straight defeat in the second tier at the weekend as they were beaten 18-40 by Swinton.

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