Good because frankly it was just a joke if a bit lame. I'm not even sure it was homophobic because unless I'm wrong keegan is a gay man and happy to be known as one. Wouldn't stand up in court imho.

Has this country become so intolerant and over sensitive that a rather obvious if slightly predictable joke becomes a banning issue.

If I get a warning or a ban or have my post edited so be it because frankly I'm sick to death of the tyranny of the easily offended.

Oh and I not having a go at you pops as I understand the current and you're just doing what is sadly expected these days.

My bad!

I still dont understand the Joke / comment, please can someone explain, I promise I wont take offence

yes you do you naughty boy

Unfortunately it's not as simple as offending someone Vasty.
The days of making jokes about sexuality, race, beliefs etc are gone.

I'm with you on the politically correct brigade. I let a lot go on here.
But I'm not willing to let a joke like that, about a Trinity player I may add, however harmless, be seen as acceptable. It isn't.

For the particular user it was not a first time being warned so unfortunately this time had to be the last.

You know you push the boundaries Vasty yourself with some personal comments and it often offends people even though I don't think really need to be offended.
It's a discussion forum and different views and opinions are not only allowed but expected ..........however if those personal comments were racist, sexist (no matter which sex) or religious focus, you won't be able to post, whether it seems to be a politically correct issue or not.

In the 70s you could and it was seen as funny. In the 21st century, there are just some things you can't say. We've evolved. Catch up.

This is unfortunately derailing what is a very good thread though.
I'm happy to discuss it but it won't change the ban, that matter is settled.

I should add, for Belly's sake that the issue isn't calling someone gay.
That used to be an insult. It isn't like that now.
And as Vasty says Keegan is openly gay.

The issue is that a thread about a player was moved towards a discussion based on his sexuality. That isn't right.

I wouldn't normally let the discussion go on when someone has been banned for saying something but this is going to come up a lot this season so we may as well discuss it openly now.

If there was a female physio, ref, touch judge and the same type of comments were made I'd have to warn the poster just the same. It's just the way it is.

That bit I get.

I'm with Vasty. Hate the PC world we live in where everyone wants to be offended for everyone. Whole world needs to lighten up.

I agree for the most and the PC crowd have got even worse since the internet & especially Social Media has burst onto the scene but he's one of our players and there's a time and a place imo.

Anyway good on Tigerade for manning up and taking it on the chin

It doesn't matter if it's one of our players or not, it is just plain inappropriate in 2016. Is it ok if he was a Cas player?

I don't mind being classified as part of the PC brigade, and am happy defend my position.

Would all you brave guys be willing to crack any of your 'jokes' in front of Keegan? Somehow I doubt it.

Congrats to Tigerade for having the guts apologise.

Bloody hell you've jumped on a couple of words and run with it there haven't you. No it doesn't matter who he plays for simple as that, has anything I've said inferred otherwise fella?. Just as it wasn't when Gareth Thomas played for the Crusaders.

The point was, that I can see why Poptart has clamped down on this straight away on our forum before the season starts, because we know there's idiots around and we don't want it to descend into rubbish. As he's signed for us, he's going to be become even more in the spotlight than he previously was.

And you jumping all over my post is a good example of the over the top PC world we live in, especially when I was opposed to the comet & was one of the first it point out.

I agree with Poptarts position on this too so it looks like we are both singing offf the same hymn sheet, doesn't it, fella.

This post is typical of the sanctimonious self regard of people like yourself and I'm more than willing to defend my position on this.

Funny how selective you people are. When an old lady with Alzheimer's died a few years ago many on here had a field day with ding dong the witch is dead, barely a complaint. Her crime, to get herself elected by a sizeable majority of the British people and carry out thier wishes as promised.

A non descript gay RL player falls victim to a very tame joke regarding his sexuality something he's hardly been shy about and you're up in arms - hypocrites.

Funny isn't it that when the luvvy lefts poster boy and bad guy of choice Frankie Boyle goes on one of his vile rants not a word is said by the right on brigade they just giggle like schoolboys who've just seen their first nudie picture - Jim Davidson says far less and you're choking on your granola.

Makes me puke and why tigerade felt the need to apologise in a country that still claims free speach is beyond me just to be patronised by people like you, but then bullying takes many forms.

As for saying it to his face then yes if it fitted in with the situation at the time - I seriously doubt that Mr Hirst can't take a joke and is more than thick skinned enough to get over anything posted on here. If he is that fragile then I fear for him.

So stop second guessing other people tolerance levels and as others have said - lighten up, there are far worse things happening in the world than this.

Oh and Margaret Thatcher, couldn't stand the women most of the time.

I'll get back to you when I get over the absolute irony of you making that particular statement. Classic

I don't blame the moderator, simply because people will actively choose to be offended by absolutely anything in today's overly politically correct society. But it's all about intent if you ask me, a joke is a joke at the end of the day - as long as it isn't meant in a malicious or harmful way. We can't give a free pass to make jokes on here about someone for being over weight but draw imaginary lines in the sand for certain other subjects i.e. someones sexual preference. People in general, need to lighten up a bit and accept if we want free speech then you're not always going to like what people say.

"On Wednesday, gay rugby league player Keegan Hirst, 28, guest edits a special Afternoon Edition programme on homophobia in sport on BBC Radio 5 live from 13:00 BST."

From BBC news.
If anyone listens in today,let us know what he has to say.

Pop Tart : going over one of your earlier posts are you saying that there is a gay female physio ? do you have any evidence of this that you could share with us, or have I misunderstood your post ?

If anyone wants to refer to me as a Babe Magnet, feel free.

Ok we've all had our say now. Some deeper than others.
The point has been made. Don't whine later if you fall foul of the rules.

... and let's leave this here.

PT has already stated how this forum will be treating any post's re this matter so please ensure you all adhere to them.