WE’LL CUT OUT ABUSE OF REFS
RFL and Super League clubs vow to end attacks on officials as fan threw drink at ref after Salford defeat
THE RFL and Super League clubs have pledged to stamp out abuse from the terraces.
The move comes after referee James Child had a drink thrown at him following Salford’s home defeat by Leeds on Sunday.
The game’s governing body has launched an investigation into the incident which occurred at the end of the home side’s 50-24 loss.
A fan leaned over the entrance to the tunnel to throw the plastic container at Child, who was forced to duck out of the way.
Salford, who say that the supporter faces a lifetime ban from the ground, will implement a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour.
Red Devils chief executive Ian Blease said: “What happened at the end of the game was idiotic and the person responsible has tarnished the name of our great club.
“Not only did this fan’s action affect the referee but also members of our own coaching staff who were caught up in it.
“None of these people deserve to face any level of abuse, just like in any walk of life. It will not be tolerated. Abuse and lack of respect at the AJ Bell Stadium ends here. We do not want you – you are not welcome. We sincerely apologise to James Child and his colleagues.”
Blease earned support from Wakefield chairman Michael Carter, who has taken a similar stance at his club.
He said: “In light of recent events at Salford and in respect of our own fans, I want to send out a message about abuse at games.
“Abuse of referees, opposition fans and players, or our own players is not acceptable.
“There’s absolutely no reason to abuse officials who are providing a service to our game.
“I’m sick of it – I stand down at the tunnel at the end of our games and hear vitriol being spouted towards officials and opposition players. “It’s time for us to stop it.” An RFL statement read: “Physical and verbal abuse towards a match official, player, coach or fellow spectator is absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the Rugby Football League.
“Rugby league grounds are a place where everyone should be able to enjoy watching our sport and this enjoyment should not be ruined by the actions of a small number of individuals.”