“Only cowards hit women” – how social media reacted to the news that Anthony Gelling has been found not guilty of GBH

It’s been one of the stories that has dominated news outlets in recent days, but the trial of Anthony Gelling finally returned a not guilty verdict – much to the chagrin of a lot of people.

One Twitter user claimed that it was bad for rugby league as a whole that Gelling is still playing.

It’s not a great look for rugby league that Anthony Gelling is currently employed by an SL club.

— Ben Long (@LongyWTID) May 18, 2021

Another just couldn’t understand the verdict at all.

The Anthony Gelling verdict is absolutely baffling.

— Wendy (@YorkieWend) May 18, 2021

This was the horror photograph taken and uploaded to Twitter, concerning Gelling’s ex-wife.

https://twitter.com/MelCahill8/status/1394606288093335565?s=20

One woman was unhappy about the cultural problems that this issue raised.

Thank you both for speaking up. Still seems it’s acceptable to treat women like this and RL has a long way to go culturally. Lots of love to your friend x

— Sally Yeoman MBE (@YeomanSally) May 18, 2021

Another was confused about the verdict.

How can he be not guilty this is disgusting

— ste donnelly (@ste19410949) May 18, 2021

Another claimed “women were being let down” by such decisions.

Anthony Gelling – not guilty of doing this to his wife despite admitting it…..'but it was self defence'. Women are being let down with men being allowed to get away this. It's disgusting. https://t.co/nGoiiYO0Oy

— deb 💜🤍💚🇺🇦 (@nomadawn68) May 18, 2021

It seems there was a broad consensus about the news.

Men like @AnthonyGelling should hang there head in shame.

— Dawn (@Dawn74180510) May 18, 2021

One Twitter user even went as far as to wish an injury upon Gelling.

I would never wish injury on a #RugbyLeague player, but if @AnthonyGelling blows an ACL in his next game for @LeighCenturions, I can’t say I would be at all upset. Men who hit women are absolute scum.

— Gavin Wilson (@GavWilson) May 18, 2021

Another defended Gav for his views.

Gav is right here – disgusting human being regardless of the verdict – hitting women is a no no no matter what the circumstances-restrain them if they are hitting you but don’t strike them

— Ingodsowncounty (@ingodsowncounty) May 18, 2021

Another brought up societal beliefs that should have stopped Gelling in his tracks.

Only cowards hit women, he had a choice of hitting her or walking away.

— Lorns🌈 (@lorna19319201) May 18, 2021

There was, however, one anomaly to the argument.

https://twitter.com/wazzaster/status/1394665771259809794?s=20

Though that fell on deaf ears amongst the majority.

I hope there’s a huge target on Anthony Gelling’s back now for the rest of the season

— Michael Lavelle (@mikelavelle93) May 18, 2021

One user even called on Leigh to get rid of the former Wigan and Warrington star.

https://twitter.com/Poemboy4/status/1394653012820377600?s=20