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This nonsense of describing Hardaker's actions as a trial by social media is very wearing and shows the narrow mindedness of those that state it. Those on social media are members of the public. As a member of the public it is well within reason for us to point out those whom are actually breaking the law or indeed the possibility that a law has being broken, to stand back and do nothing isn't acceptable now and it never should be, that's why we have massive social problems within families and on the streets, in the classroom down the pub and in the workplace because far too many are happy to stand by (or indeed join in) and let criminal activity and social unacceptable behaviour carry on without a care.

In this case it just happens to be a RL player in the middle of a match, that in itself shouldn't have any bearing on whether a law was broken. One could cite an assault to the person, just because it is a rubgy match doesn't exclude that a member of the public could report an assault where one player punches the crud out of another (i'm surprised fewer cases come about tbh).

That a player makes homophobic/hateful comments to another human being is in itself against the law (unlike sexist comments which aren't at present) and just because an organisation/employerand/or the officials may choose to ignore what was obvious that doesn't stop members of the public from reporting it. If that be through social media (as in the case of other criminal offences in recent times) it matters not. That an offence 'possibly' has being commited should be investigated, that Hardakers comments a few months back could warrant a caution from the police as he would if he made the comment to another in the high street from some quarters means he got off lightly with ban from plying his trade at his place of work.

IF he is found guilty and that is by no means certain then he should be rightly castigated and given a final warning as to his conduct, this would send the message to all players AND indeed fans that crossing the line isn't acceptable both socially and within the confines of the law.
If the RFL aren't 100% sure they must still advise the player that his conduct is unbecoming and against operational player conduct rules (foul language).
Personally I'm not 100% sure he says 'poof', however his action of blowing a kiss beforehand leans toward it. I think the lad needs help, either to help him control his anger and also to help with him maybe being a closet homosexual.
There are studies that suggest those that make such comments are indeed such. www.ibtimes.com/homophobes-likel ... nds-434958