Tuesday 25 November 2014 14:33, UK
An independent tribunal has fined Widnes Vikings £20,000 after finding them guilty of serious breaches of Rugby Football League operational rules.
Widnes have been found to be in breach of rules D1.8c (improper conduct) and D1.10b (safety/misconduct of spectators) after crowd disturbances marred their Challenge Cup semi-final defeat to Castleford at Leigh on August 10.
Sections of the Widnes support entered the field while the head was removed from Castleford's mascot and kicked away. One female spectator was caught up in the chaos and sprained an ankle.
An RFL statement said: "(Clubs are) Responsible to the RFL for the actions of their spectators and all persons purporting to be their supporters, and are required to use their best endeavours to take all precautions to ensure that their spectators and all persons purporting to be their supporters do not threaten, abuse or assault third parties."
Whilst we accept the Tribunal’s ruling and recognise our responsibilities as to the behaviour of our fans, it is important for us to recognise that the acts were not representative of our true supporters and the spirit of Widnes Vikings.
It added: "Clubs must also ensure that their spectators, or people purporting to be their supporters, do not damage property, or invade the pitch, or pitch surrounds, or throw missiles on the pitch, or act in a disorderly or improper manner before, during or after the conclusion of matches."
Widnes' fine is split between £10,000 now with the other half suspended until the end of the 2015 season. They also have to pay £4,000 costs.
The tribunal said it acknowledged Widnes' co-operation with RFL but that "the sanction should reflect the seriousness of the incidents".
Widnes’ chief executive James Rule said the club remained committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice.
“As a club we apologise once again for the events that unfolded at Leigh Sports Village,” said Rule. ”We will continue to work with the Police, the RFL and Halton Borough Council to implement banning orders to all involved.
“Whilst we accept the Tribunal’s ruling and recognise our responsibilities as to the behaviour of our fans, it is important for us to recognise that the acts were not representative of our true supporters and the spirit of Widnes Vikings.
“We must not lose sight of the hard work and incredible progress we made in 2014 which ultimately led to us being named Super League Club of the Year at the Man of Steel awards.
“All our stakeholders were integral in the club receiving this prestigious accolade and we will remain united as ‘One Club’ as we prepare for the 2015 season.”
