Several things about this game really bother me. Despite what some are saying, Hardaker could have issued an an unreserved apology before now, the whole thing stinks of someone telling him he'd better say something, or he may find himself facing a long suspension. the article where he issues his apology states that James Child was also offended by the comment. Why didn't he do something about it at the time if he thought it was directed at him? There have been reports on here that several Leeds players had been swearing at the ref, if so, why didn't he do something about it? I still believe the comment was directed at Mr Child and should have been dealt with at the time and then reported to the RFL. The alleged swearing at the ref is the misdemenour, the homophobic comment is the aggravating factor to that misdemenour. It isn't over just because Hardaker apologises, and I believe that the RFL will still deal with it.

I'm with Rico. Sorry is all that's required.
I'm looking forward to seeing him play now.

Why do you believe the comment was aimed at Mr. Child ?

Hardaker has issued the expected grovelling apology, reported on the BBC news site.

Apparently, the comments were directed at Michael Monaghan.

bet it was at child but realised the implications had he had been found guilty of abuse to a ref.

I was under the impression that he was looking at the ref when he said it. I could also ask the question, 'Why do you believe it wasn't aimed at him?'

So he is now a liar as well as a homophobe and someone who disrespects the game he makes a living from.

Perhaps he is has a lazy eye and was looking at Child while looking at Monas?

And not for the first time too.

I still don't know what to make about that statement in all honesty. It was said that he couldn't talk about it until the investigation has finished, but as he has made the statement, where is the conclusion from the RFL? I've not heard about any decision being made, which says to me that the investigation is still ongoing.

The statement seemed hastily put together. I'd like Monaghan to come out and say if the comments were aimed at him, or at James Child. That would seem to confirm if Hardaker is telling the truth or is lying.

A few comments from others around the forum are saying they are disappointed by this statement and Leeds are showing a lack of class. My opinion is that I've never considered the Leeds club to have any class at all.

I'm not disapointed so much by the statement, it had to be done and to an extent they're running situation management now. As such a few news outlets have already started running the headline "hardaker apologises for monaghan comments" which is taking the view away from the actual situation that is being investigated.

There was no way Leeds' legal advisors are gonna tell him to admit he was calling the ref, lets face it, he's in trouble either way, but admitting you were saying it to an official? not a chance.

A player makes a homophobic insult to a gay ref and people try to defend it. Great site lads.

I'm not defending him. He needs to apologise to the correct person. Saying it was directed at Monas just insults our intelligence.

How about a fat comment to an overweight player? tbh i think it's how insults work, saying something you know that will offend them.

You can't defend the undefensivable Steve. Anyone who does is sinking to the same level as Hardaker. Just because he's made some kind of manufactured apology doesn't mean that the matter is sorted out, because it certainly isn't.