The rugby player described the attack as a 'hate crime'
Former Wales and Lions rugby player Gareth Thomas has posted a video to social media saying he was a victim of an alleged homophobic attack on Saturday night.
Cuts, bruises and swelling are visible around his face and head in the footage, in which Thomas describes the incident.
https://twitter.com/gareththomas14/status/1064136709217095680
Thomas, who came out as gay in 2009 and made over 100 test appearances for his country, said he was posting the video to spread a "positive message" in the aftermath of the alleged hate crime.
"This morning I decided to make what I hope will be a positive video," Thomas said.
"Last night I was the victim in my home city of a hate crime for my sexuality.
"Why I want it to be positive because I want to say thank you to the police who were involved and have allowed me to do restorative justice with the people who did this because I thought they could learn more this way than any other way.
"And also to the people of Cardiff who supported me and helped me because there’s a lot of people out there who want to hurt us. But, unfortunately for them, there’s a lot more who want to help us heal. So this, I hope, will be a positive message."
Thomas was the first professional rugby union player to come out as gay and has worked as a pundit since his retirement as a sportsman.
JOE has approached South Wales Police for comment.
