Perhaps I live a sheltered life because I can’t even think of a possible word for an ‘s-bomb’, never mind knowing it!

Think of a previously-used term for some mentally disabled people, that was also used as a regular playground insult to friends/enemies until about (20-ish?) years ago. A word that is rightly considered abhorrent now, but one that most of us have used in a non-targeted manner in the past or in our younger days.

It’s funny what can come out of people’s mouths in the heat of the moment when you’re emotionally charged. I don’t believe for one moment that any of the holier-than-thou board members on here would be quite so angelically eloquent and self-righteous should they come home to find some travellers had set up camp in their back garden. Am I wrong? I would love to put that to the test… and I have absolutely no problems with the travelling community of course, just making a point about human nature and how emotions work, and the way that manifests in vocal outbursts.

Discuss.

Spastic is the word, everyone seems terrified to simply say it.

From a purely medical viewpoint it refers to the condition of 'spasticity' - alteration of muscle tone - often associated with celebral palsy.
However it is classified as a perjoritive (slur) term nowadays if used in a non-medical arena - more so in the UK than in many other countries (not sure about Aus, but if other 'verbal incidents' are a benchmark, they are probably a bit behind the ball).

Clearly there's no place for using it with offensive intent in sport and there should be a punishment.
The RFL/ Super League have set their stall out - rightly or wrongly. (Maybe they'll take his nationality into account and give a warning (if found guilty) but I wouldn't hold my breath).

If it's been said at another player or official then it's difficult to see any other outcome than a long ban - be that 6 or 8 weeks.

Perhaps an alternative outcome could be a free punch on the chin of the offender by the offended party then matter closed.