Tuesday 16 September 2014 13:38, UK
The Rugby Football League (RFL) have dropped the investigation against Zak Hardaker into an alleged homophobic comment made during a match against St Helens.
The RFL confirmed earlier this month it launched a probe into an incident during the Rhinos' 13-12 defeat by Saints on August 29.
The investigation related to comments made towards St Helens second rower Mark Flanagan by Hardaker, who was banned for five matches in June after being found guilty of homophobic abuse of a referee.
However, the Match Review Panel has now concluded there was insufficient evidence for charges to be brought, meaning Hardaker will be free to face Catalan Dragons in the playoffs on Saturday.
A statement read: “The RFL can confirm that no further action will be taken following an investigation into an incident in the First Utility Super League fixture, Leeds Rhinos v St Helens played on Friday August 29.
“Details of the investigation were presented to the RFL Match Review Panel which concluded that there was insufficient evidence for charges to be brought.”
