By Andrew Forgrave
Copyright dailypost
A police investigation has been launched after a junior rugby match was abandoned in North Wales. The referee reportedly took both sides off the field after “serious” racist remarks were allegedly directed at young players.
The incident is said to have happened last weekend when Denbigh’s U14 team played an away match against Wrexham RUFC. The referee was said to have stopped the match early in the second half after spectators allegedly abused Denbigh’s youngsters.
The matter was subsequently reported to North Wales Police. A spokesperson for the force confirmed: “We are investigating reports of a hate-related offence at a rugby match in Wrexham on Sunday, 14 September. Enquiries are ongoing.”
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) said it was aware of the alleged incident and said it will be taken “extremely seriously”. A spokesperson said: “We are currently waiting for the full Code of Conduct complaint to be submitted so that we can address the full facts of the incident.” Complaints must usually be submitted within seven days.
Denbighshire councillor Merfyn Parry, whose grandson was playing for the Denbigh team, said the incident caused a great deal of distress.
He said: “I understand the referee stopped the match because of the abuse. The (alleged) incident has understandably caused upset to the players and families, and I believe it is important that this is properly investigated and not ignored.
“I am sure Denbigh Rugby Club and the WRU will now follow the official processes, but the wider community also needs to be aware that such behaviour has no place in sport.” Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community
Clwb Rygbi Dinbych officials met on Monday night to discuss the incident. Club chairman Tegid Phillips said: “We are following due processes – making initial inquiries and liaising with individuals – before any decisions are taken.”
Wrexham RUFC is also making inquiries. A spokesperson said: “As a club we were made aware of the incident and are carrying out our investigations and will cooperate with North Wales Police as required. We do not condone this alleged behaviour.”
Under the WRU’s Codes of Conduct, spectators must at “all times exhibit the highest standards of good behaviour”. They must not engage in – or tolerate – offensive, insulting or abusive language or behaviour towards players, officials, coaches and other spectators.
Specifically, the Codes stipulate that spectators must not intimidate, offend, humiliate or discriminate anyone on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. The same approach is taken with race, including “colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins”.
Proven breaches will result in club sanctions, which can range from financial penalties to points deductions and even disqualification. There is a right of appeal. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
The WRU said it takes its responsibilities under the Equality Act (2010) and associated legislation “extremely seriously”. A spokesperson added: “We will always act upon discrimination, harassment, victimisation or bullying relating to protected characteristics, to ensure Welsh rugby is inclusive and safe for everyone.
“We also work closely with Show Racism the Red Card Wales.” The union’s approach to clubhouse racism is showcased in a webinar on the Dysgu WRU Platform – this can be found here.
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