Warning: somewhat explicit picture at end, but in context of diary.
Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas has been the victim of a homophobic attack. He represented Wales in both rugby union, for a then record number of times, and rugby union before retiring in October 2011. He came out as gay in December 2009 and has become a gay rights activist.
Thomas has been outspoken about homophobia in sport, and last year, to mark the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in the UK, made a documentary about homophobia in football.
He joined the MP Damian Collins, the chairman of the Commons culture and sport committee, in June to launch a draft bill to amend the 1991 Football Offences Act to explicitly outlaw homophobic abuse at matches. The act currently bans chanting of an “indecent or racialist” nature.
A teenager was arrested after the attack and admitted the crime.
South Wales Police confirmed a 16-year-old boy was dealt with by way of restorative justice following the incident in The Hayes in Cardiff city centre at about 21:00 GMT on Saturday.
"Restorative justice was at the request of Mr Thomas and accepted by the teenager who admitted assault and was apologetic for his actions," it said in a statement.
"Restorative justice is about putting victim needs at the centre of the criminal justice system, finding positive solutions to crime and encouraging young people to be accountable for the consequences of their actions."
It added: "Hate crime has no place in society and has always been a priority for South Wales Police."
On Sunday, Gareth posted this video.
Response to it has been tremendous.
Ok now the bit you have all been scrolling down to. You may recall that Donald Trump’s last medical report showed him at 6ft 3in and 239lbs (108Kg). Garethe is the same height and in his playing days was 103Kg. He has put on a little since (see the Ellen pic at top) but it does rather raise the question why a teenager would want to acost him. I know I wouldn’t want to meet him in an alley on a dark night….. or maybe I would ;-)