Rugby star to meet LGBT community after using anti-gay slur

Leeds Rhinos full-back Zak Hardaker will meet Manchester’s LGBT community after using homophobic language during a match in May.

The 22-year-old will appear at Taurus Bar on Canal Street on Tuesday (July 15) at 9pm after asking to meet members of the gay community to learn about the impact of homophobia.

Last month, the Rugby Football League (RFL) charged him with a Grade E offence, after he called another player a “fucking fag” during a fixture against Warrington. He was given a five-match ban for his behaviour.

Hardaker apologised for his remarks, saying: “As professional players, we know that we have an obligation to conduct ourselves in the right manner for the good of the game at all times, that includes with our team-mates, opponents, officials and, of course, supporters at the ground and those watching at home on television, and my comments fell below those standards.”

You can tweet your questions for Hardaker by using the hashtag #NaughtyZak.

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