Two community rugby league clubs in West Yorkshire have been punished by the RFL after “unacceptable behaviour” towards match officials.
Both East Leeds RLFC and Moldgreen RLFC have been hit with a two-week playing ban from the sport’s governing body over separate incidents that both occurred on Saturday 16 May.
Moldgreen took on Thornhill Trojans, but the contest was brought to an end 17 minutes early with the scores level at 14-14.
The referee opted to stop the game prematurely after crowd trouble following a Moldgreen try. An altercation between both sets of players happened right on the touchline, which then meant supporters started to get involved, throwing the game into chaos.
As a result, the RFL have punished Moldgreen, opting to “suspend any rugby league activity involving Open Age, Youth and Junior teams” until the weekend of 6/7th June. Thornhill will be free to continue as normal.
Moldgreen have denied allegations of any wrongdoing via a statement posted on Facebook.
Elsewhere, East Leeds were shown three red cards in their defeat to Dewsbury Moor. Keidan Hartley (alleged dissent), Alfie Crawford and Dave Gibbons were all shown their marching orders by the referee. As a result, they have received the same punishment as Moldgreen.
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Amateur rugby league clubs punished by RFL
An RFL statement reads in full:
“Following incidents involving East Leeds RLFC and Moldgreen RLFC on Saturday 16 May, the RFL has taken the decision to suspend Rugby League activity involving Open Age, Youth and Junior teams at both clubs until the weekend of 6/7 June. This suspension does not apply to Primary Rugby League age groups.
“The incidents involved unacceptable behaviour, including abandoned fixtures and abuse directed towards match officials.
“Both clubs have engaged in meetings with the RFL constructively and have committed to implementing measures aimed at improving behaviour standards, strengthening matchday management processes, and reinforcing respect towards match officials and volunteers across all sections of the club.
“The RFL continues to work closely with clubs across the Community Game to reinforce standards of behaviour, protect participants and volunteers, and ensure Rugby League remains a safe, respectful and enjoyable environment for all involved.
“Further information regarding the RFL Respect campaign and Respect Code of Conduct can be found here.”
