Search icon

Sport

18th Nov 2018

Former Wales rugby captain Gareth Thomas says he was the victim of a homophobic attack in Cardiff

James Dawson

Gareth Thomas

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.

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.