Hornets ace wins appeal against race abuse charge
AROCHDALE Hornets player found guilty of racial abuse during a game has had his ban overturned following an appeal.
Lewis Galbraith was slapped with an eight match ban following an incident that took place during Hornet’s ill-tempered Summer Bash clash with Oldham at Blackpool in May.
The 22-year-old centre’s case was heard by a Rugby Football League independent operational rules tribunal, which deemed that the player used ‘verbal abuse based on race/ colour’ during an incident in the final minute of the game.
Roughyeds submitted a complaint regarding the incident, which saw Sammy Gee sent from the field.
But the Hornets stood by the player and signalled their intention to appeal against the sanction.
Speaking at the time Hornets chief executive Adam Bates said: “On paper, this was a cut and dried case.
“Both Oldham and the Rugby Football League were unable to provide any independent evidence whatsoever to prove the alleged incident happened.
“The club stands by Lewis and we will fight tooth and nail to ensure justice is done.”
And following an appeal on Wednesday an independent tribunal found Galbraith not guilty.
In a statement the club said: “Rochdale Hornets can confirm that Lewis Galbraith has had an eight-match ban for verbal abuse overturned following an appeal.
“Lewis will be free to play against London Broncos at the Crown Oil Arena on Sunday.”
In a statement the Rugby Football League confirmed an independent tribunal had found Galbraith not guilty of a Grade F racial abuse charge.