The Leeds full-back Zak Hardaker, who was the subject of a recent police investigation into an assault in the city, has been fined a month’s wages by the club and will begin an anger-management course following an internal investigation by the Super League leaders into the incident.
Hardaker, an England international, issued a written apology to the victim last month as did his his club-mate Elliot Minchella, with each player paying £200 in compensation.
The 23-year‑old Hardaker was dropped by Leeds while police conducted their own inquiries, but was then picked by the club throughout their own internal investigation, which came to its conclusion on Wednesday, when the club released a statement detailing that although they have come down strongly on Hardaker, they will continue to support the full-back despite his latest misdemeanour. His future now includes doing volunteer work for the Rhinos for the remainder of his contract.
The statement on the club’s official website said: “With regard to Zak Hardaker, the club has accepted his apology for his actions. However, given his previous misconduct, Zak has realised that it is his actions rather than his words that must now show his intentions to put these events behind him.
“Zak is full of passion and enthusiasm and has many qualities that are to be admired in a young player but a small part of him has led to problems and this has to be addressed, not only for the image of the game but most importantly for Zak’s own well being and his ability to fulfil his potential.
“We have passed the point of telling him what he has to do, however, for the first time Zak has admitted to us, and more importantly to himself, that he has an issue with aspects of his lifestyle which he wants to improve. We have listened to what he has committed to do for himself and we will support him.”
Hardaker was hit with a five-match ban last season for homophobic abuse during a match against Warrington, while the full-back was given a fine by the Rhinos in late 2013 for a breach of their code of conduct, after leaving England’s World Cup squad.
Minchella was fined half of his monthly salary and given a written warning for his involvement in the incident, while three other Leeds players – Rob Mulhern, Josh Walters and Ash Handley – have also been given fines for breaches of the club’s code of conduct.
