UK rugby club Bristol Bisons vehemently protested the planned deportation of Kenyan player Kenneth Macharia after his asylum application was rejected.
The club argued that Macharia, who is gay, would face persecution in Kenya over his sexual orientation.
Macharia was detained at Colnbrook immigration centre near Heathrow airport on Thursday 15 November.
The club called on Home Secretary Sajid Javid to intervene, launching a petition and raising the matter on social media.
Club chairman Phil Rogerson noted in a statement that Macharia was also a First Aider, accusing the UK home office of ignoring the plight of LGBT individuals.
“We believe his safety and wellbeing is in grave risk if his deportation were to go ahead and we stand by him and support him in his desire to make a life for himself alongside his friends and teammates here in the United Kingdom," he wrote.
The club further indicated that Macharia's mother lived in Bristol and the deportation would only serve to keep them apart.
“Ken has been one of the nicest characters I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. His happy go lucky manner is infectious around other people and smile is one that lights up the clubhouse.
“Ken represents everything we stand for as an inclusive club. To think of what he is going through and the almost certain persecution he is facing if sent back to Kenya is horrific and no person should ever have to face this," stated Manager Lee Penfold.
Macharia has lived in the UK since 2009.
