Rugby league player says ban for using anti-gay slur has made him a ‘better person’

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A rugby league player who was banned for using an anti-gay slur, has said the time spent away has made him a “better person.”

Leeds Rhinos player Zak Hardaker, 22 was thought to have calledĀ referee James Child a “f*cking fag”, during the teamā€™s match against Warrington in May.

The Rugby Football Leagueā€™s match-review panel charged him with a grade E offence of ā€œusing verbal abuse based on race, colour, religion, gender, sexual preference, national or ethnic originā€, he was banned for five games and givenĀ a Ā£300 fine. He apologised after the incident.

Hardaker this week met up with and trained alongside Manchester Canalsiders’ LGBT team, and took a tour of Manchester’s gay village.

“I try to enjoy myself and live life to the full… Along the way you learn new things and this is one of the lessons I have learned. The Canalsiders have been terrific and at least some good has come out of what happened,” he told the Daily Mirror.

ā€œThey recognised it was just a heat of the moment comment and I am really thankful for their support. I think it has helped to raise certain issues, including the profile of the club, so thatā€™s great. I have learned what you can and canā€™t say and how it affects different people.

ā€œThese five weeks out have felt like an eternity. But itā€™s given me time to dwell on things and I am sure I am a better person now.ā€
He will make a comeback on Thursday night in a match against Castleford.