it was the bubble perm that did it!!!!

The witch hunt point is valid because as far as I'm aware the RFL judiciary has never employed a lip reader to try to prove an offence relating what a player has said. That IMO creates an absolutely ridiculous precedent.

From what I can gather - which isn't a huge amount - it would appear that context and supporting verbal clues are usually a massive help in lip reading, as is context (which raises a very interesting question as to whether the RFL's 'lip reader' would immediately be biased if they knew what words they are looking for), and there are a number of 'sounds' which lip reading simply cannot pick up. It certainly doesn't sound incredibly convincing if used in evidence for anything, nor does its track record in UK courts.

Lets not forget that what Hardaker has been charged with is far more than a high tackle with a 2 match ban. If found guilty of this his reputation will be in tatters (his previous comment will eventually be taken in isolation as a one-off assuming he doesn't do it again), regardless of any ban.

No, I was stating the facts of the case. He admitted saying it thus isn't comparable to the Hardaker incident even though quite a few a Saints fans think it is.

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Has anybody gotten round to designing the "Zak is Innocent" tshirts for Friday yet for us to all wear lol

Well he came out and said what he had said against Warrington before the hearing. Unlike the ref, the kid isn't a liar. If he said it he will say it.

www1.skysports.com/rugby-league/ ... c-comments There you go Saddened. Hardaker last time admitted pre verdict to using the language so not just a case of he'll never admit it.

www1.skysports.com/rugby-league/ ... c-comments There you go Saddened. Hardaker last time admitted pre verdict to using the language so not just a case of he'll never admit it.

I think the employment of the lip reader points to the fact there is little evidence other than the video. If no one heard it on the pitch, then I don't see how someone can be offended by what they think they see someone saying when lip reading on tv.

One scenario not put out there, could Flanagan have called Haraker a puff for complaining about the leg twist and Haraker repeated the taunt i.e don't call me that

That is, indeed if that word was said in the first place

I do find it amusing how many fans are coming on here telling GH how he should run the Club in response to this = GH by Plenty!

Haven't seen anyone mention that the Canal siders Gay RL Club where Zak worked during his ban have been very vocal on twitter in their support for him!

Lip reading would seem shaky evidence, of anything badlipreading.tumblr.com/

Lip reading would seem shaky evidence, of anything badlipreading.tumblr.com/

None of you can separate the swearing from the homophobic language.

We all know people swear, F's & B's & C's aren’t nice or clever, we have a wonderful English language and people should be able to articulate themselves in a better way.

However, insults directed using homophobic language is not on, its on a par with racism, which is illegal.