Rugby Club Fined for Slurs Aimed at Gareth Thomas

July 05, 2010

Castleford has been fined £40,000 for homophobic slurs aimed at Crusaders winger Gareth Thomas, who came out as gay late last year.

"The RFL finds homosexual abuse unacceptable, which is reflected in the size of the fine," RFL spokesman John Ledger told BBC Sport.

Clubs are responsible for ensuring fans do not shout intolerant obscenities during matches and must investigate such incidents when they arise. RFL claimed Castleford took little action following the incident during a match on March 26.

Castleford criticized the RFL’s move.

"The club condemns any person who makes or chants obscene remarks towards players or officials,” said Rod Findlay, Castleford's legal advisor
 

"But the charges against the club are not that there was chanting, they are that the club failed to take its best endeavours to prevent or stop any chanting.

"This the club refutes totally. The club has a well-established system for dealing with chanting and could not have done any more on the day."

Thomas's manager Emanuele Palladino congratulated RFL on its decision.
 

"This has been an historic day," he said. "Gareth Thomas is all about delivering positive messages and positive changes and, to that end, this was a huge step forward for Gareth and the world of sport.

"It is not about the fine, but rather recognition that this behaviour from a small section of the Castleford fans is not acceptable in 2010.”

He added: “We are delighted that the RFL has taken action against what is a serious and upsetting incident for all parties.

"Its stance makes it clear that behaviour like this is not, and should not be acceptable in the world we live in today."

"Our sport is viewed by Stonewall as a model with the way it deals with issues around homosexuality," said Ledger.

"In March 2009 we signed the Stonewall Charter to show our commitment towards these issues. The RFL is the only national governing body to have joined the Stonewall diversity programme which raises awareness over diversity issues."

Ledger also warned clubs to keep an eye on their fans and take necessary action when needed.
 

"The behaviour of club supporters is one of our considerations in the licensing process," he said.
 

"It would be wrong to say Castleford getting a licence or not may hinge on this but the fans need to be aware they are doing the club no favours. This kind of behaviour would not get a favourable tick in the RFL's consideration of Super League licences."
 

Image source: Manuel