The decision by the Rugby Football League to punish Castleford for homophobic chanting by their fans aimed at Gareth Thomas has been hailed as "historic" by the player's agent.
The Engage Super League club were fined £40,000 after being found guilty of misconduct, although they have signalled their intention to appeal and have 15 days to do so.
Sections of the Castleford crowd directed homophobic chanting at Crusaders winger Thomas during the League fixture between the two clubs at the Jungle on March 26.
Thomas, who announced he was gay in December, joined Crusaders in March and the Castleford game was his second for the club.
A statement from the RFL read: "Castleford were found guilty of unacceptable behaviour, of breaching the RFL's respect policy, of misconduct by their supporters and of conduct prejudicial to the interests of the sport.
"The tribunal was chaired by his Honour Judge Rodney Grant, who criticised the club for failing to take steps to stop the homophobic chanting, for failing to identify the perpetrators, for failing to challenge the chanting and for their failure to undertake a meaningful inquiry afterwards.
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