zntyres, I understand and accept that wilfull ignorance and a lack of education are responsible for your attitude towards "omofobia," however, could you explain why myself and my lesbian partner are any less valuable RL fans than a self-confessed "omofobe?"

I have thicker skin than my life partner Terri, but Zak Hardaker's comments and comments from "omofobes" like you on messageboards and terraces will discourage her from attending matches with me and our adopted child. This will only harm RL in the long run through a smaller fanbase.

I also hope that ZN Tyres is an equal opportunities employer.

I'm not getting into name-calling (you've marked your card quite successfully yourself on that count). But if you take a look at the RFL's definitions in the disciplinary guidelines ([urlhttp://media.therfl.co.uk/docs/On%20Field%20Compliance%20Sentencing%20Guidelines%202014-Final.pdf[/url) then you might understand the punishment (but I won't hold my breath).

That last line is pure comedy genius

Well done Suzy

So it really is spelled: Homophobia, well bugger me.

Well said that man or woman. Massive overreaction to a bit of name calling and this is my view on most so called racist or homophobic incidents. I am prepared for the inevitable PC backlash that this opinion will create with those who actually believe that Zak Hardaker has committed a hate crime. Plainly ridiculous over exaggeration IMO. Too many are being tarred with either a racist or homophobic brush, to an extent that I believe actually harms the rightful efforts to stamp out true racism or homophobia.

How interesting that you should use racist terminology to express yourself.

Still, it's all harmless eh?

Racist terminology? In your opinion! Do you know enough about the origins of the phrase or are you just assuming you know? In which case I think you are being a tad racist!

How ironic!

heard an interview with McDermott last night on the way back.
I think that they way Leeds, the RFL and Hardaker have handled this has been excellent.

This is one of the aeas where the sport carries itself with dignity and can be proud of its internal policing.
Football can learn a lot about our disciplinary attitudes, codes or practice and structures eg the fact that all matters are dealt with so promptly

well done everyone.

Lets hope this can now be left to a bit of banter in the terraces and slowly fade into a distant memory.

The club have handled the situation in a very professional manner, clubs and fans need to consider the bigger picture before defending players actions when they are obviously guilty of an offence, well done the Rhinos

Load of fuss about sod all

How is that racist? As far as I am aware it stems from nautical origins. If you're referring to 'tar and feather' (which would be incorrect anyway) that's also not racist as it was something whites did to other whites and so has no connection to racism whatsoever.

In fact you could say that it's more interesting that you immediately jumped to the racist angle here, even when there was none. Sort of backs up what the poster was saying in the first place...