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Newcastle guardant Asu Kepaoa has been deed pinch a six-match prohibition for utilizing a homophonic slur successful a round-of-16 NSW Cup match.
The 26-year-old fronted nan NSWRL judiciary connected Wednesday erstwhile he pleaded blameworthy to making nan slur successful nan Knights’ reserve-grade conclusion of St George Illawarra past week.
Kepaoa, who was sent from nan section earlier half-time successful nan lucifer and referred straight to nan judiciary, issued a individual apology successful acknowledging nan harm caused by his prime of words.
The erstwhile Wests Tiger and Penrith subordinate is yet to make his elder debut for nan Knights since his move from nan Panthers.
Newcastle released a connection connected Wednesday, saying nan connection utilized had nary spot astatine nan club.
“The Knights judge nan result and afloat supports nan process,” nan connection said. “The Newcastle Knights are an inclusive nine and pridefulness ourselves connected being a welcoming spot for each players, unit and supporters.
“Language that causes harm to individuals aliases communities has nary spot successful our Club, successful nan NRL, aliases successful our community.
“The Club will activity intimately pinch Kepaoa to guarantee he receives due acquisition astir nan effect of connection and nan responsibilities that travel pinch representing nan Newcastle Knights and nan values we guidelines for.”
Players are referred straight to a judiciary proceeding for nan astir superior offences aliases erstwhile nonstop due reward is not instantly clear.
While playing for nan Warriors’ NRL broadside successful 2022, Marcelo Montoya received a four-game ban for utilizing a homophobic slur toward North Queensland winger Kyle Feldt.
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Max Knobel, Koby Evans, Izak Rankine and Lance Collard are among nan AFL-listed players to person been suspended complete homophobic slurs successful caller seasons.
Kepaoa’s alleged incident comes only weeks aft erstwhile Sydney Roosters prop Kane Evans became nan 2nd antheral NRL subordinate to travel retired arsenic gay, and first since nan 1990s.
Kepaoa has played 43 NRL games, each for nan Tigers betwixt 2020 and 2024.
