Racist rugby game: GLRU suspends player
ILLOVO – The union said they did not tolerate racism at any level.
Following an alleged racist incident during a match between two local rugby teams, the Golden Lions Rugby Union held a disciplinary hearing.
The incident took place during the match between Roodepoort Rugby Club U21 and Wanderers Rugby Club U21 on 26 April and there were allegations of racial and physical abuse towards Wanderers U21 players.
The disciplinary committee of the union made up of independent members said the case was based on the evidence of Sanele Ngcobo and Dawie Giezen. The committee found Ngcobo to be an honest and truthful witness.
Although Ngcobo testified that a racial slur was made, he could not identify any player who called him a racist, used any racial slurs or verbal racial abuse. In the absence of any evidence provided by either Ngcobo and/or Giezen, the outcome was based on evidence provided, said the committee.
On another count, Roodepoort Rugby Club player Ruben Chambers was accused of striking another player with a hand, arm or fist, to which he pleaded guilty.
“After considering all the evidence, the disciplinary committee was of the opinion that Chambers be suspended for four rugby games, whereof three games are suspended until the end of the 2019 season, on condition that he is not found guilty of contravening Rule 10 (A) of the Laws of Rugby,” said the union in a statement.
The union said they did not tolerate racism at any level. They recommended that all players involved in the incident attend a workshop on human rights and racism and will be partnering with the Human Rights Commission to facilitate the conversation in an attempt to prevent any further similar situations.
Details: Golden Lions Rugby Union www.lionsrugby.co.za
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