Rugby club member banned over ref abuse (From Echo)

Westcliff RFC players displined after bust up

2:30pm Tuesday 30th October 2012 in Local News By David Trayner

A RUGBY club member has been banned for a year and several youth players sanctioned after a referee was abused at the end of a match.

A non-member of Westcliff Rugby Club has also been banned for life for the incident after an under-16s match between the club and Rochford Hundred.

Simon Wakefield, chairman of Essex County RFU’s disciplinary committee, said: “Following a lengthy and comprehensive investigation into the incidents of referee abuse at the end of the Westcliff v Rochford under-16s match on April 29, 2012, one adult member of Westcliff has been banned for one year, another non-member has been effectively banned for life, and a number of players have been sanctioned in line with the RFU’s youth guidelines.

“Essex County RFU disciplinary committee has ratified these decisions and is satisfied that Westcliff RFC has managed this matter entirely appropriately”

The probe was launched into claims members of Westcliff abused the referee after he disallowing a last-minute try in the title-deciding rugby match at Westcliff Rugby Club in Aviation Way, Southend.

Rick Compton, chairman of Westcliff Rugby Club, said: “We would not comment other than to reiterate that there was no assault and no coaches suspended. The matter is closed.

“Anything in relation to children we will not discuss.”