Well said. Not sure what the controversy is tbh. Smith hasn't said anything out of order. He even acknowledges that Monaghan will get stick and says he hopes it is done in the right manner. I have never seen a quote attributed to him about the Cas fine.



As for Monaghan, he did something stupid, he now must take the stick that comes his way, and I would expect it to be good humoured, as many of the things I have seen quoted here and elsewhere are pretty funny.

I don't think a game of 'fetch' is appropriate in the circumstances...

Gonna have to be careful with this one, I can see!!!

Who is Keith Laird?

Think Smith is reasonable with his comments. He's intelligent enough to understand that there will be banter, and in the right context, he's even endorsed it for its humour value. Not sure why everyone is so quick to aim the gun at him, although I'd imagine those people obviously haven't read it properly..

Channel 4 were at pains to say it's not Keith Lard

I have emailed the RFL to draw their attention to these reports and asking them to get Wire to issue a clarificatory statement.



Gareth Thomas has done nothing whatsoever to be ashamed of, in fact quite the opposite - as an "out" gay man in sport he should be applauded for his courage.



I'm sure Smith was just using the Thomas case as an example of how the RFL will take action on abusive chanting (which is clearly wrong - because its abuse - whatever the rights and wrongs of the subject matter) and wasn't attempting to draw a comparison between the two cases, but I think it would be best for everyone if he/Wire could make that explicitly clear.

What? I was chanting to the mascot.

If Smith wasnt drawing comparasions between the dog lover and G.Thomas WHY even mention the G.Thomas case?

Im sure G.Thomas is chuffed to be even mentioned in the same conversation as a bloke who likes to have peanut butter liked of his todger by a dog.

in the pictures ive seen he looks like he allready has a pair ?!