Gymnastics Ireland

[Whynotgo]

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/gymnastics-ireland-suspends-coach-after-comments-on-gay-marriage-and-immigration-in-tv-interview-resurface/a1275621600.html
This is behind a paywall and I don't know how to archive an article. But I am interested in people's opinions on this. I have c and p some parts of the article.

"She discussed how children in Ireland have more rights, and as a coach, she would not be entitled to raise her voice to them or force them to do something difficult.
She also said that Ireland has a law which allows same-sex marriage and that people in Ireland have very different views to those in Bulgaria. Bulgaria’s constitution defines marriage as being between a man and a woman.

According to a translation, Ms Rangelova said that Ireland had an influx of immigration, which was a problem. She told the reporter that she was concerned about the kind of boyfriend her daughter could bring home, and imagined a scenario where her daughter would get into a relationship with an Indian person.
When the interviewer asked what the issue with that would be, Ms Rangelova said that her family are Bulgarian and that she would prefer to be with Bulgarians."

Now, while I don't think she comes across as a particularly nice person, I feel quite uncomfortable with this. GI acknowledges that her views were her own personal opinions so I am not getting why she was suspended.

"Upon being made aware of the interview, we immediately suspended her. A disciplinary process is currently underway. We would like to state that Ms Rangelova's personal views were unknown to GI and that they in no way represent the views of Gymnastics Ireland.

I checked on the results of the marriage equality referendum and 62% voted in favour. Are the 38% who voted against now at risk of losing their employment if they voice their opinion on marriage equality. ? It doesn't sound as if she actually did anything wrong while working with GI, she seems to have been good at what she did. Her views on immigration are a little bizarre as she was an immigrant herself. While she would have liked to be allowed to raise her voice to the children in training there doesn't seem to be any complaints that she actually did this. Quite the opposite, it sounds as if she did comply with what was expected of her even if she disagreed with it.
I don't agree with her views but I don't particularly feel comfortable to see something like this happen either. There is a whiff of Orwell about it. I am just wondering what other people think.

How on earth can you deduce that from my response. Have you issues reading?

I don't make decisions on partial information

I didn't link any article.

I don't make statements on people if I haven't read the information first hand

You asked me to detail my use of the word vulnerable in a statement I made, I clarified it reference people who may not have mature critical analysis skills.

At no time did my posts reference my thoughts on woman and how dare you infer they did.

I have twice posted that international successful legislation should be followed, I am not a legislator.

My reference to child abuse clearly referenced the historical abuse issue of Irish gymnastics.

Your post is ironically proven my approach. You have managed to successfully make everything I say the opposite.

I am disgusted at this type of approach abusing and ambushing individuals who refrain from making broad statements without fact. I strongly suggest you re read my posts.

I am not responding again as to be quite honest I deserve more respect

@Whynotgo FGS, it’s pretty obvious that it’s her shocking attitude towards risk of harm to the children she’s supposed to be coaching, that has caused her to be suspended.

Presumably you don’t have young children as you appear to be pretty blasé about that glaring admission as if it’s no big deal?

The rest of the article is simply stirring the pot. Lots of Irish parents are mildly homophobic and/or racist themselves so wouldn’t be overly concerned about her personal views on those matters, but they care deeply about the welfare of their own children.

No, I am not blase about her attitude. As I said earlier I have been to enough GAA matches down through the years to have seen enough of it myself. The most recent being only a month or so ago where children were in tears, not because of the behaviour of the coaches or referees but due to the behaviour of the parents on the sidelines. It is something that really annoys and I just cannot stand this kind of behaviour.
But, my own experience of any sport my DC have been involved in has been that a coach is never alone with children. There are always other adults present and usually parents will also be present. If this is not allowed it is a major red flag for me.
Assuming the same applies with GI, and as there are no reports of complaints or allegations made against her then I feel it is wrong to label someone in such a way. It is a pretty serious label to put on someone when there is no evidence to say she did anything and it is a very hard one to move on from.
I would just compare it to the threads on the medal cermony where the official was labeled racist for something that appears to have been a genuine mistake on her part and had nothing to do with race. GI apologised to the child, and were right to do so. But that offical was left with her entire reputation tarnished which must have had a profound impact on her life.
If there is a safeguarding concern then GI should of course enact their policy but according to the article there has been no mention of this.

Sorry, I missed your reply, and no I am no ttrying to disrespect you. But linking an article referencing an incident that happened in 1980 to a soviet gymnast is a fairly extreme response when there have been absolutly no allegations against this coach.
But I fail to see where I have ambushed anyone and I absolutely disagree with you on this. I merely responded to what you posted. You made a reference to vulnerable people and to hate, I asked you what you meant. I don't consider that an ambush.
I think that it is very easy to react to what this coach said and accuse her of homophobia, racism and abuse. But when you break down what she said it is less clear what she actually said.
I am not defending her in any way, as I said earlier she may well be a horrible person but I think if we bandy around these words too freely then they lose their meaning. Racism, homophobia and child abuse are all horrific scourges on society and should always be called out, but in this interview there are different interpretations as to her meaning, leaving aside the fact that it is also a translation. It is too easy to rush to judgement, especially in the days of SM where people move on, but a lot of destruction can be left behind.

@Whynotgo again I didn't reference nor link any bloody article. The irony of you not understanding you completely misread my posts is actually nearly hilarious.

Don't @ me again please.

It was Messy not Marbles that linked the article about Elena Mukhina if that's what you are talking about

Yes it was.
I will indirectly apologise to Marbles here for mixing up my posters as I have been ordered not to @ her!
I still disagree with her but I do appreciate it when someone engages in good faith.