(CNN) Israel Folau's debut for rugby league side Catalans Dragons sparked controversy after a visiting fan claimed she was asked to remove a rainbow flag during the match.

Castleford fan Alison Grey posted on social media during the game in Perpignan that she was initially asked to take down a flag she had displayed in support of LGBTQ rights for "health and safety" reasons.

The Dragons' signing of Folau has caused much debate as the Australian was sacked by Rugby Australia last year for making homophobic comments on social media.

Grey tweeted: "Just been told I am not allowed this flag because the club does not allow it. How disgusting."

In a later interview with Sky Sports, she added: "We were asked if we could take the flag down, first because it was against health and safety. When we said that there were other flags around the ground they gave up.

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