"Prayer rooms, for all denominations, have been recently introduced at Etihad Stadium, the MCG and Sydney's ANZ Stadium."

"But the AFL is now insisting on prayer rooms at the SCG and all other interstate venues."

http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-premiership/bachar-houli-says-more-muslims-will-go-to-the-footy-as-afl-announces-prayer-rooms-must-be-provided/story-e6frf3e3-1226332833993

this is interesting, it would make the muslims feel more welcome to a league games and for those that cant come because of prayer, this would provide a good solution. thoughts??

The AFL is a very welcoming and inclusive competition. We want all Australians of all backgrounds enjoying our game.

If fans need to duck off for a toilet break and ritual wash then pray in an appropriate room at some time during the game as is their tradition I have no problems with it.

Edited by gyfox: 20/4/2012 11:32:50 AM

omg, just when you thought the world couldnt get any more politicaly correct.. why dont we give free driving lessons to asians aswell?

Edited by - brisbane boy: 20/4/2012 11:41:00 AM

:-s

Was not expecting this to be a genuine topic...

Depending on the number you're talking about. I mean if we're thinking 5-10 thousand supporters ducking of for half an hour, what's trhe point, they're missing a good chunk of the game.

However if you're talking 10-20, i'm sure there is alreay a space available where the devote can go. you just need to make it avaialbe.

Personally, it is my opinion the only religion that should be practiced during a match isd the religion of Football.

You don't read well?

Should ban pork, prawns and alcohol at games too - just so everyone can feel included etc.

Seriously, though, if there are some spare rooms available and it is requested - open them up and let people pray in there. I wouldn't think that it's worth spending any extra money on, though.

Sobkowski, it's talking about "all denominations", which would include your Christians, Jews, Hindu's etc. etc. although their prayer requirements are a lot less stringent than Islam's.

unless you make mention of the fact that you like to watch the Sokkah during the AFL off-season. then be prepared for a barrage of SW&P bile in your direction about not being a 'real Australian' been there done that worn the t-shirt. this part of the reason why I now never give any money of mine to the VFL.

"Prayer rooms, for all denominations, have been recently introduced at Etihad Stadium, the MCG and Sydney's ANZ Stadium."

You can have Prayer rooms and still be secular. It's not like they're asking everyone to pray before kick off or something.

No,no and more no. This is a christian country end of ! Go and and try and find a christian prayer room in a muslin state,even asking can lead to death !They need to pray, do it at home. If this makes me racist, then so be it.

should also ban peanut butter sandwiches

Your point?

We're a secular country, the rooms should be multi-faith.

I'll check with Foxsports but I think they're planning on some games on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Ahahahaaa wow!

Fuck no. We're not an Islamic state. If you're Muslim, and have to go pray, then so be it, but you find your own secluded area. We're not here to wait on hand and foot for every one of your specific needs.

I may sound hypocritical here, but this sort of stuff should be done in the relevant places ,not at a football ground ffs. You want to pray, go to the chapel,church or the mosque before or after the match.MADNESS

This

Aaaaaaaaaand that's me done for this thread

Jesus Christ

No. It's a football game their is no need to pray. Sport and religion should be kept separate.

Racist? Fuckwit? I say tomato, you say tomato...

Love how religions "claim" a country. A country is of the people, and this country is multi-cultural and multi-denominational.

Can't understand how this is such a big fucking deal. Does this cost you anything? Does this hinder your enjoyment of the game? Are they asking you to get involved to make this happen?

No.

So sit down, shut up and enjoy the game.

What a load of rubbish. It's a football match - you're at the ground for a maximum of 3 hours.

If you need to pray during that time, find a quiet corner and say a prayer.

The AFL is just spinning this story to deflect from the strong stench of bigotry that has been exposed by recent anti-indigenous comments made by key AFL personnel.

No

Some interesting 'inclusive' comments from some supporters here. Obviously football is to be broadbased, but not quite that broadbased.

What happens if Muslims & Jews both want to use the same prayer room...

Were you unaware posting this, re an AFL move with zero to do with football, would bring out the closet dwellers for a bout of Muslim bashing, or was that the intention?

Me too.:cry:

You should have listened to the callers on FiveAA last night about this topic.

Agree to an extent it's tokenism mostly, but if they can be afforded and they're multi-faith then it's not an issue.

I had to design a prayer room for Muslims at a university about a decade ago and found that the times specified for prayer are fixed and prayer is a priority over all other activities at the specified time. As such dropping in on the way to or from is not always an option.