TL;DR
- Keighley Cougars owners reverse sale decision.
- Fan support overwhelmed the owners.
- Club known for LGBTQ inclusivity.
- Owners faced homophobic abuse.
- Rugby league’s first Pride fixture held.
In a stunning turn of events, the owners of the Keighley Cougars rugby league club, Kaue Garcia and Ryan O’Neill, have decided to stay put after initially announcing their departure. This decision comes hot on the heels of an overwhelming wave of support from fans, which left the couple feeling “overwhelmed” and deeply appreciated. The announcement was made on June 30, just two weeks after they revealed plans to sell the club due to years of homophobic abuse and mounting financial pressures.
Garcia and O’Neill, who made history as one of the only out gay couples to own a professional sports club, cited the passionate response from supporters, sponsors, volunteers, and even the local MP, Conservative Robbie Moore, as pivotal in their change of heart. “The haters lost,” Garcia declared, reflecting on the unexpected outpouring of love and support from the community. “When we announced we had had enough, it unleashed the silent majority.” Talk about a comeback!
The couple took over the Cougars in 2019 and have since been champions of inclusivity, making headlines for staging rugby league’s first Pride fixture and introducing rainbow kits. They also own Eccleshill United, a non-league football club, which was initially part of the planned sale. Their commitment to the Cougars is not just about sports; it’s about community. Garcia expressed, “The club is the best part of Keighley. It helps people, if we can help a single person, it is worth every penny.” Now that’s what we call a heartwarming mission!
The couple’s initial decision to leave was met with shock and sadness from the fans. A rally was held on the pitch before a game, where supporters displayed banners and launched a social media campaign to persuade the owners to reconsider. Garcia recounted how a group of dedicated fans even made the three-hour journey to their home to convince them to stay. “We sat in our living room, drinking Prosecco until the early hours,” he reminisced, clearly touched by the gesture.
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Despite the challenges, including ongoing financial losses and the burden of homophobic comments, Garcia and O’Neill have remained committed to the club. They have poured their own money into keeping it afloat, acknowledging the struggles faced by the community in the north of England. “If we don’t, it dies,” Garcia stated, emphasizing the importance of their role in the community.
As they move forward, the Cougars continue to be a beacon of hope and inclusivity in sports, proving that love and support can triumph over hate. With their fans rallying behind them, Garcia and O’Neill are ready to take the Cougars to new heights. Here’s to more Pride in rugby and a future filled with love and acceptance!