Sent to the RFL:-
Dear RFL,
This week saw an important and shocking precedence being set in the game of rugby league when the Castleford Tigers were reported as facing a potential fine of £40k, due to a small irresponsible section of the crowd reportedly verbally abusing Mr Gareth Thomas, in relation to his sexuality. As you will know the rugby league community in general is one of the warmest, friendliest and most accepting communities in sport and I am sure that this behaviour is not a fair reflection of the vast majority of the rugby league community, or indeed the Castleford Tigers club or supporters.
As a much talked about precedence in rugby league I am sure that the whole of the rugby league community is now more than ever aware of the Rugby Leagues 'Respect Policy'. In light of which I, and my family including Zoe 8 and Amy 4, were shocked to hear the clearly abusive nature of the fans during tonight otherwise fantastic game between the Leeds Rhino's and St Helens.
For your consistency of policy, and moderation I would like to explain why. In doing so I apologise for repeating the vile language which was clearly audible during this game, and hence the abbreviations used. During the 6th to 7th minute of the game a section of the Leeds supporters could clearly be heard verbally abusing the St Helens player James Graham. For a period of perhaps 10 seconds they were chanting 'you're just a fat ginger bstd....fat ginger bstd'. As this could be clearly heard on SKY, I am sure that it could also be clearly be heard at the game to all and families in attendance. The commentators on SKY light heartedly joked about the reception which James Graham was receiving from the South stand supporters. As a result, I would have hoped that the Leeds Rhinos club will have played the RFL 'Respect Policy' to the crowd, however this is just an expectation as it could not be heard on the SKY coverage.
During the 30th to 31st minute, the same chants returned, again abusively directed at James Graham. Again to my families embarrassment this could be clearly heard on the SKY coverage.
In reflection, I recall the same abusive chants being directed at James Graham occurring during the previous televised games from Headingly when Leeds have played against St Helens!
During the 60th minute the referee Mr Silverwood could clearly be heard being abused by the crowd in attendance of the game. The crowd were clearly abusing the referee by chanting the 'referee is a Wkr!'
Whilst I cannot in any way condone what may, or may not have taken place during the Castleford v Celtic game, I think that it is massively unfair and of extreme prejudice to single out one event at one game. As demonstrated tonight, during the Leeds and St Helens game, during the actual game it is impossible for a club to moderate and control every section of the crowd, during the game. Controlling, sections and attitudes of any crowd takes is not a task which can be rectified overnight and requires publicity and commitment from the whole rugby league community.
Hence, I urge you to consider your own respect policy by not showing prejudice against any individual club which may not have behaved or acted any different to that which the rugby league community has witnessed tonight. I trust that you will now show fairness and equality in the application of your own policy
Many thanks,
(or do the RFL simply face the fact tht it is impossible to control such events?)
