13th March 2008
Blackpool Junior Colts and Warrington Junior Colts - Sanctioned for Bringing Colts Rugby Into Disrepute...
Following the abandonment of a Colts League game on Sunday 17th February 2008, where a melee took place on the pitch involving players and spectators, both Blackpool Junior Colts and Warrington Junior Colts were removed from all Colts League competitions on Monday 25th February by the League Committee.
At a review hearing held on Thursday 6th March 2008, before the full League Disciplinary Panel, representatives of both Blackpool and Warrington admitted "bringing the game into disrepute" contrary to League Rule 8.8, having broken the League's "Codes of Conduct" in that some of the Warrington players had engaged in violent conduct, and some of the Blackpool spectators had encroached onto the field of play.
After hearing representations from both Clubs and oral evidence called by Blackpool, the Review Panel concluded that the violent conduct of Warrington players was a major breach of League Rules and Codes of Conduct. The Panel also concluded that the encroachment onto the pitch by Blackpool spectators, whilst under the circumstances may be considered a lesser offence, nonetheless inflamed the situation and is in no way being excused or condoned by the Panel. The Review Panel then considered the appropriateness of the original sanction imposed on each Club in light of this conclusion and determined the following :~
Blackpool:
The Club's application for a Review of the League Committee's original decision was granted. The original decision relating to their removal from the Halbro Colts League Competition and thereby the non-recommendation for entry into the RFU National Under 17's Competition still stands. Blackpool's Colts League Standing will therefore now be expunged. However, after due consideration the Committee determined Blackpool Junior Colts would be re-admitted to the Halbro Colts League Cup Competitions at a level to be determined by the Competitions Committee.
Blackpool were warned about their future conduct, particularly relating to Spectator Control.
Warrington:
The Club's application for a Review of the League Committee's original decision was refused. The original sanction still stands in all respects, and Warrington's Colts League Standing will therefore now be expunged. Warrington were also warned about their future conduct.
Chairman of the Review Panel, Clif Barker, also gave a specific warning regarding adverse and offensive comments either through the Press or through allowing material to remain on WebSite Forums, either of which could be deemed to bring the game into disrepute.
Jon Kitchen - League Secretary.
Halbro Colts League.
Thursday 13th March 2008
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25th February 2008
Colts League Takes Action... following a serious incident involving Players and Spectators, from both Teams, which caused the abandonment of a Colts League game on Sunday 17th February 2008.
The Colts League Committee have determined to remove both Warrington Junior Colts and Blackpool Junior Colts from all Colts League Competitions forthwith.
Citing Colts League Competition Rule 8.8 both Teams have been removed from Colts League competitions "For bringing the Colts Game into disrepute".
Neither Team will be nominated to the RFU National Competition, nor will they proceed any further in the Colts League Cup competitions.
Jon Kitchen.
League Secretary. (25th February 2008)
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