Chiefs forward Michael Allardice has apologised for a homophobic slur at their Mad Monday celebrations at a hot pools complex.
According to News reports in New Zealand a Waikato man Brendan Barraclough, who was at the okoroire hot pools with two friends, heard Allardice yell, “Here come the gays, here come the gays”, followed by another comment.
Following an investigation by the Chiefs Allardice has admitted that he said the words but explained that they were not directed at Mr. Barraclough.
In the statement Allardice said, “Yesterday while enjoying post season team bonding at a pub and local swimming pool I made a rude comment directed at my teammate. It was said in jest at a team mate and I did not intend to offend anyone.”
“When I learned of Brendan’s Facebook post and comments to media, I realised he was referring to the comments I had directed at my team mate. I was not aware he was there, or that he had mistaken these comments as being directed at him. They were not.”
“I have today contacted Brendan and apologised for the offence caused by my inappropriate comments, regardless of who they were directed at. I have expressed to Brendan that I have taken full responsibility for my actions, but I have also assured him that there was no malicious intent in my comments – I wasn’t yelling at a stranger to inflict hurt.”
“I am deeply embarrassed and ashamed of the hurt I’ve caused Brendan and the wider LGBT community and anyone else who I have offended by my comments. I casually used very poor language and have learned a very big lesson today.
“I have chosen to come forward because I believe in being accountable and taking responsibility for your actions, and also because I hope this can be a learning experience for others that homophobic language, even in jest, has wide-reaching and hurtful effects. ”
“I have also apologised to the Chiefs, as my behaviour yesterday does not reflect the values of our team and organisation. “
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