Sonny Bill Williams’ fury as Instagram REMOVES picture of star rugby player and his fellow Muslim teammate praying to Allah before World Cup match
- Sonny Bill Williams took to Instagram asking why picture of him was removed
- The picture shows him and a fellow All Blacks rugby player praying before game
- Williams is currently in Tokyo for the Rugby World Cup until next month
Rugby star Sonny Bill Williams has expressed his disappointment at a picture of himself and fellow Muslim Ofa Tuungafasi praying before a World Cup match being taken down from Instagram.
The picture shows Williams and Tuungafasi in their All Blacks uniforms with their heads bowed and palms up on the field before their match against South Africa on Saturday.
‘Hello Instagram & to all that reported this photo. I’m wondering why this was removed from mine and TuungafiosO pages?’ the 34-year-old tweeted on Tuesday.
Sonny Bill Williams has expressed his disappointment at a picture of himself and fellow Muslim Ofa Tuungafasi praying before a World Cup match being taken down from Instagram
Rugby fans replied to the tweet saying they were also shocked as to why the picture would be removed, adding players pray on the field all the time
‘Surely a simple picture of someone expressing their gratitude for what they’ve been blessed with is ok?’
Rugby fans replied to the tweet saying they were also shocked as to why the picture would be removed.
‘Bigots abound. This was inspiring to see on the field.’ one fan said.
‘This is madness and tantamount to censorship. Guys pray on the field of play all the time, why now?’ added another.
The picture was later reinstated on Williams’ Instagram account.
Williams and fellow All Blacks players are in Japan for the Rugby World Cup until next month.
Sonny Bill Williams pictured with partner is currently in Tokyo for the Rugby World Cup
The All Blacks beat South Africa in Saturday’s game in Tokyo