Tuesday 22 August 2017 11:28, UK
Batley have have banned a supporter from their stadium for directing homophobic abuse at one of their players.
Bulldogs captain Keegan Hirst - headed for Wakefield next season - came out as gay last year and the West Yorkshire club claim a supporter has directed homophobic tweets at him.
A statement from the Bulldogs read: "The supporter will no longer be allowed entrance to the Fox's Biscuit Stadium.
"Since Keegan publicly confirmed his sexual orientation we have been delighted by the response and support he has been given by everybody at the club and indeed throughout our sport.
"There is no place in our sport for homophobic abuse or indeed any abuse and we wish to send out a clear message that if you engage in such behaviour we do not want you to attend our stadium."
Prop Hirst signed has signed a 12-month deal with Super League club Wakefield with the option of a further year.
Hirst will follow his head coach John Kear to Wakefield, with the former Trinity boss returning to Belle Vue as director of rugby next year.
Meanwhile, Kear has been nominated for the 2016 Kingstone Press Championship coach of the year award after guiding Batley to the Super 8s Qualifiers by finishing third in the table.
Leigh captain Mickey Higham is shortlisted for player of the year after leading his side to the league leaders' trophy and to the brink of a place in Super League.
