A gay rugby player suffered a broken jaw while promoting his team during a ‘homophobic attack’ in Manchester’s Gay Village.

Police have released a CCTV image after the 24-year-old man was punched on Canal Street.

It happened when he was promoting his Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual rugby team, the Manchester Village Spartans, at about 9pm on Saturday, November 1.

The player was approached by a group of about four men who shouted homophobic abuse at him and one of them punched him in the face.

The victim needed surgery to repair a broken jaw.

Gareth Longley, spokesman for the Village Spartans, said: "We had been out on a recruitment drive that Saturday, and most of us were wearing Halloween outfits and had painted faces. We were just telling people what the club is about and trying to get new players and more support.

"When they walked into the Village a group of guys were making homophobic remarks at passers by. Our players walked up to them and everything calmed down and (the player) started chatting to them about the Spartans. One of the other group took offence and punched him in the face."

Det Con Louise Kelly, of GMP’s North Manchester division, said: “We believe this to be a homophobic attack and I want to make it clear that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated on our streets.

"The victim was merely promoting his rugby team, but was subjected to an attack, during which he suffered a broken jaw and has had a metal plate inserted into his face.

“I want to reassure local businesses and residents, who live, reside or socialise in the gay village that we are treating this extremely seriously.

"I want to hear from anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV image or who may have witnessed the incident.

"It was 9pm in a busy area, there were lots of people on Canal Street at that time that may have information that could help us with our investigation.”

If you have any information about the incident please call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.