Rugby League player may face second ban after allegations of homophobic abuse

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A Rugby League player previously banned for a homophobic slur, will be investigated following another accusation of anti-gay abuse.

Leeds Rhinos star Zak Hardaker was handed a five match ban and a £300 fine in June, after calling a player a “f**king faggot”.

The 22-year-old will now be investigated by the Rugby Football League (RFL) for alleged homophobic abuse in a match during which the Leeds Rhinos were defeated by St Helens on Friday.

Though Hardaker declined to appeal the previous ban in June, and said the time spent away has made him a “better person.” his coach Brian McDermott claimed there was no homophobia in rugby whatsoever.

He clamed: “’[Zak]‘s really upset that he’s getting accused of being homophobic. He’s been found guilty of using offensive language and causing offence.

“To inaccurately tar a young man with that is irresponsible.

“There is absolutely no homophobia in our sport.”

If found guilty of homophobic abuse by the RFL, Hardaker could face an eight-match ban.