Good bye..and don't come back
Five players from the Otahuhu Rugby Club have each received a lifetime ban from all rugby.
A judicial hearing was called following the assault on a referee at the conclusion of a match between the Otahuhu U19 versus Suburbs U19 teams on Saturday 6th August.
The panel considered evidence from several parties including video footage of the incident in which the referee sustained injuries.
The penalties were from the more serious category of the NZRU Disciplinary Rules. Those guidelines also state that clubs are responsible and accountable for the conduct of their players and all persons under their jurisdiction, therefore sanctions have also been imposed on the club and the team coach.
Auckland Rugby Union chairman Glenn Wahlstrom endorses the decision of the independent judicial committee.
"The judicial committee has given a very strong message and rightly so," he said.
"Match officials must have the right to be safe in the role they perform without being subjected to the threat or even worse, acts of violence."
The club has the right to appeal the decision within seven days of its Issue.
The matter is also with the police.
Comments
Ripzy007 says...
I guess my last comment was too harsh for PR...but there is no other way to put it...Not sure if these teenagers have talent like QC...but certainly have the same characteristics of coward and thuggery...who can forget QC PC that was swept under the carpet
Posted 04:22 02nd September 2011
DutchWing says...
U19, so that means these youngsters are 18, therefore adults. No hars punishment whatsoever. Respect is the most important aspect of our game, the club is at fault for not teaching this to their players and now these are the consequences.
Posted 23:58 01st September 2011
camelhoof says...
koalalovinnegro....what a tool you are.
Posted 17:11 01st September 2011
ruckman says...
Lifetime ban is spot on - wonder what sort of upbringing these kids must have had?
Posted 15:56 01st September 2011
Maccavake says...
Koalalovinnegro, you are a complete and utter retard. Period.
Posted 15:25 01st September 2011
ste490 says...
You want to abuse the ref? Go play football! You want to play rugby? Behave!
Posted 14:08 01st September 2011
jonesy2 says...
why are people saying this is harsh punishment? am i missing something? if anything its not harsh enough. scumbags like this have no place playing sport especially rugby in NZ. disgraceful. lucky not to be charged with assault.
Posted 14:03 01st September 2011
APV1 says...
It's right to punish them and soundly too. But a lifetime ban? I think that's too hard. I agree that a few years - 3 seems a sensible number to me - and banned from all competitive sports too. Otherwise, as genghis_j suggests, they'll find another sport instead.
By the time they're available again, they'll be a little older - into their early 20's - and, hopefully, a little wiser. They'll have seen the error of their ways, but will still have the opportunity to make amends and start again. I like the idea of a Lifetime probation order too. Perhaps if they get 2 red cards in a season, that's them out for life.
Posted 11:00 01st September 2011
koalalovinnegro says...
As a father, I must say that I feel that is quite a harsh treatment for a kid who barely has pubic hair down there. Banning him for life will make him angry and might move him to consider even suicide. 3 Year ban and a lifetime probation would be just enough.
As a Rugby fan, I feel these thugs are decreasing the All Black momentum by darkening the ever sad cloud that hangs over the AB's this RWC 2011!
As a Wallaby fan, I can't help but foresee how these criminals grow up & emulate Doug Howlett who wants to smash everything for losing at the World cup or Maybe Richie McCaw who feels he can just come in offside at everyruck and steal the ball. The are Rules to be followed!
The strong arm of the law has spoken. And if they escape that, then, they will eventually meet Quade Cooper's knee accidentally!
Posted 09:37 01st September 2011
D4tress says...
Proper order. Respect for the ref is the cornerstone of our sport. There's no place for this type of scumbag behaviour.
Posted 09:19 01st September 2011
Ramage says...
Hmmm a strong message sent to all who believe thuggery is part of rugby and congratulations to the Auckland rugby union. There is no place for physical assaults on referees or players. Be great if SANZAR could get its act together.
Posted 10:21 31st August 2011