A 16-year-old boy has admitted and apologised for assaulting former Wales rugby captain Gareth Thomas in a homophobic attack in Cardiff, South Wales police have confirmed. Thomas, who came out as gay in 2009 and has since become a prominent LGBT rights campaigner, posted an emotional video on social media showing a bruised and cut face, describing the incident as a hate crime.
The attack occurred on Friday November 16 at around 9pm on The Hayes in Cardiff city centre. Police said the teenager was dealt with by way of restorative justice at Thomas's request, and the boy admitted the assault and was apologetic for his actions. In his video, Thomas thanked the police for allowing him to engage in restorative justice, saying he believed the perpetrators could learn more that way.
Thomas, who retired from professional rugby in 2011, played for Cardiff Blues, Bridgend and Toulouse in rugby union before moving to rugby league with the Crusaders. In the video posted on Sunday, he 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: I want to say thank you to the police, who were involved and allowed me to do restorative justice to the people that did this.'
Messages of support came from politicians and fellow sportspeople. Jo Stevens, MP for Cardiff Central, tweeted: 'I'm so sorry that you were subjected to such behaviour, Gareth. Wishing you a full recovery.' Former Wales footballer Neville Southall also offered support, writing: 'Sorry it happened mate, but there are thousands who support you. Love that you concentrate on the positives. Keep being a role model.'
Thomas has been outspoken about homophobia in sport. In 2010, rugby league team Castleford were fined £40,000 after their supporters chanted homophobic abuse at him. Last year, he made a documentary about homophobia in football and joined MP Damian Collins to launch a draft bill to explicitly outlaw homophobic chanting at football matches.
