Seven players in Australia's National Rugby League (NRL) will boycott a key match over their team's decision to wear a pride jersey.
On Thursday, the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles will become the first team in the competition ever to don a kit which promotes LGBT inclusivity in the sport.
But players weren't consulted and some object to the move on religious and cultural grounds.
The club apologised for its handling of the situation.
Coach Des Hasler said the club had made a "significant mistake" that had caused "confusion, discomfort and pain for many people, in particular those groups whose human rights we were in fact attempting to support".
In a press conference on Tuesday, he apologised to the LGBT community and to the players involved.
"They were not included in any of the discussions, and at a minimum, they should have been consulted," Hasler said.
Under league rules, players from the same team cannot wear different jerseys.
Local media identified the seven players as Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau'atu, Tolu Koula and Toafofoa Sipley.
Thursday's game is considered important to the club's chances of making the NRL finals and the players' stance has sparked a backlash online.
"What infuriates me (and always has) is that players will boycott over a rainbow but never boycott a teammate if he's been accused of violence against women or any other morally reprehensible behaviour that they would all agree they don't condone," wrote Pam Whaley on Twitter.
Others accused the seven of hypocrisy, pointing out the team is sponsored by a brewery and betting agency.
Hasler said he respected the men's decisions and is concerned for their welfare amid the backlash.