I see those wire clowns have started a thread up. What a bitter set of no hope fans they are.

You're exactly right. The 3 year old girl should definitely get a 5 match ban too.

it's very rare I go on any other board but this on RLFANS because I get drawn in.The site I was on was total RL .I mean Wire are probably tapping him up now! They would welcome him in there team

It's absolutely appalling that bitter dire fans have started up a thread about Zak. Have they no integrity? No conception of reasonableness and fair play? Are they not as pure as the driven snow like Leeds fans are?

Leeds fans never start negative threads about other clubs players. Especially Wigan players.

Not ever. Fact.

Definitely and maybe you could throw in a joke or two about the holocaust?

Or he could mock injured players.

Wouldn't such a situation require as a prerequisite the freedom for several jokes to be directed against those of a darker complexion to initially pass without judgement or penalty?

Ignore him for god sake

For all of the "PC gone mad" brigade, may I remind you that the RFL signed up to the [url=http://www.therfl.co.uk/the-rfl/rules/interactive_operational_rules?section=E4Respect Campaign[/url

[iIn order to uphold these values participants in the game of Rugby League - players, parents, spectators, coaches, match officials, other volunteers and administrators of all ages – should:

Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their age, ethnic origin, gender, special needs, including learning and physical disabilities, class or social background, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, colour or political persuasion.[/i

It matters not who made the complaint, once received the RFL are duty bound to investigate it.

FWIW, I've watched the vine clip and I'm buggered if I can tell what he actually appears to be saying

Ok are they actually scrutinizing every single player having professional lip readers on the job? Maybe the players should now be coached to do what the do in MLB and cover their mouths when speaking

Zaks one hell of a player, hes also a bit of a richard

Q: Is a straight man calling another straight man a puff offensive to homosexuals?

P.S. I like what you did there

Rugby league is a joke of a sport in this country.

Governing body pandering to an internet mob.

Worse bans for insults then injurying players.

If hardaker is banned on the basis of that video and without any corroberating evidence I'm not sure i can continue to follow the sport. Can't deal with this bullsh*t.

I'm so disillusioned me.

But what if a homosexual overheard it & thought it referred to him?
The conclusion I draw from all this is that it's ok to call another player after slang terms for the female genitalia but not to call him by a slang word for a homosexual even if he isn't.
I know what I believe to be more offensive - but still not worthy of being banned for.
The world has gone barmy.
This pandering to the perceived sensitivities of certain sectors of society is what led to all those poor kids in Rotherham being ignored for so long.

TBH, I share your sentiment . Hardaker is now getting some awful personal abuse

Damn,

Thats my retirement income from my old mans stage "gag books" up the spout.

"So this Jew-boy goes to a rugby match..."

Simple answer?

I dunno, I don't profess to speak on behalf of any group, no matter whgat their sexual orientation. I can only speak for myself and I personally wouldn't find offence.




Ahhh thang yowwwwww

I said the exact same thing. If he's banned I'll turn my back on the game. Pathetic.

Let's not forget as well if Zak decides he's had enough of all the abuse and is going to switch to RU to get away from it, those same numpties will be moaning that we're letting all our best players go.

I often think the biggest problem with RL is the fans

I don't mind if he's banned because the ref heard him say it. Would again be questionable about why the ref didn't take any action on field. I also doubt Silverwood hasn't heard that language before but can't recall in his 10+ years at this level ever reporting someone.

If a Saints player reported him.......well open up the floodgates and watch players get reported weekly. Likewise I doubt the Saints players haven't heard or used the possible language before on the pitch.

Leaves the tv fans who can't be sure what he said but because he's got previous it was to be likely "puff".....another way of looking at it is that because he's got previous he avoided using that word where as somebody who hasn't got previous might not.

People would really have to kid themselves if they don't think opposition players are using words like "f*g" and "puff" now towards him to wind him up......but out of sight out of mind. Perhaps the reason Hardaker blew a kiss towards Flanagan is because he called Hardaker a f*g to get a reaction. Even if he didn't it's only a matter of time until opposition players do if they haven't already.

Why would you walk away from the sport if he's found guilty of making homophobic comments?

Bulls fan in peace.

My take on it, I don't know what he said. I've no problem with him being investigated, I think it's good for Hardaker. If he's found not guilty then the case is out to bed. If he's found guilty then he should suffer the consequences.

It's not so much about the word he has POSSSIBLY used being massively offensive, or insulting people. I can't speak on behalf of others, but I don't think the gay community will be up in arms about it, the same as his previous ban.

BUT Zak Hardaker is a role model, he is a fantastic player. He is representing the sport in front of families, potential sponsors etc while people may not be offended by that, it does the sports reputation no good at all and companies may be put off being involved in RL.

Richard Keys and Andy Gray lost their jobs with sky, after years of service. I don't think the people the comments were made at ever made a complaint. But sky sacked them despite years of service because SKY's reputation is worth more than individuals.

The RFL have to investigate. IF he is found guilty then people can blame twitter and idiot supporters all their like, but Hardaker has no one to blame but himself. But that's IF he is found guilty!!

I agree I don't see how people can definitely 100% know what he said, but at the same time, people can't say 100% he didn't say the word pu** and that it's a witch hunt. A few of wanted him burning at the stake, but I think most have been it looks like it has said the word pu**.

A few hours now since this came to light, and the club have still not issued a statement backing their player despite the lad being persecuted in the press. Bit poor that.

Leeds ones in particular