Zak Hardaker to face no action over homophobia allegation

Rugby league player Zak Hardaker will face no further action after being accused of using homophobic language for a second time.

The Rugby Football League (RFL) has determined that there is “insufficient evidence” to move forward with the investigation, BBC News reports.

Earlier this month, Hardaker was accused of using homophobic language towards another player during a recent game St Helens.

The allegation came after the 22-year-old spent time training with gay rugby team the Manchester Canalsiders, following a five-match ban for calling a player a “fucking fag” earlier in the year.

The RFL issued the following statement: “The RFL can confirm that no further action will be taken following an investigation into an incident in the Super League fixture, Leeds Rhinos v St Helens played on Friday, 29 August.

“Details of the investigation were presented to the RFL Match Review Panel which concluded that there was insufficient evidence for charges to be brought.”

Hardaker recently urged those involved in the investigation to make a decision sooner rather than later, saying that the uncertainty was “no good for anyone”.

Earlier this year, the player apologised for his original slur, and said meeting the LGBT community had helped him become a “better person” – read more here.

Meanwhile, a recent survey has found that 80% of athletes and spectators have encountered homophobia in sport – click here for the full story.