British rugby club fined £40,000 for homophobic chants by fans

Castleford Rugby Club have been fined £40,000 by the Rugby Football League after fans aimed homophobic abuse at Crusaders winger Gareth Thomas, reports BBC News.

Thomas, 35, announced in December 2009 that he was gay.

“The RFL finds homosexual abuse unacceptable, which is reflected in the size of the fine,” RFL spokesman John Ledger told BBC Sport.

Castleford chief executive Richard Wright said he was “shocked” by the decision, adding the club will appeal.