GEELONG champion Gary Ablett has provided an explanation as to why he "liked" Israel Folau's homophobic Instagram post.

Former Greater Western Sydney forward Folau, who has lost his contract with Rugby Australia for breaking the body's social media code, last week posted an image containing the text: "Warning. Drunks, homosexuals, adulterers, liars, fornicators, thieves, atheists, idolators. Hell awaits you. Repent! Only Jesus saves."

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Ablett, who is a deeply religious Christian, eventually unliked the post.

On Easter Saturday, Ablett posted an image of a crucifix with a biblical quote: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

He also posted a lengthy caption explaining his thinking.

"There has been a lot of coverage about Israel Folau's post this week. It saddens me and my family to see how the coverage of this story has played out," Ablett said.

"I want to make it clear that I love ALL people regardless of race, religion, gender or sexuality.

"I have always admired how strong Izzy is in his faith, it is not easy to share faith in the public sphere, and this is why I initially 'liked' his post.

"I understand that liking this post appeared offensive and this is why I chose to remove my 'like' from the post."

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