EPRU slaps 'home game ban' on another club of 'thugs'
REACTION: The Eastern Province Rugby Union has been forced to suspend the home games of another club – the second time in as many months.
EPRU President Maasdorp Cannon confirmed to @rugby365com that Kowie United has had a ban slapped on them.
His response follows the powerful message of the South African Rugby Union on Wednesday, who slammed the behaviour of what they termed “hot-headed thugs” in the game.
SARU President Mark Alexander said club members who abuse or assault referees should expect to be banned from the game and action taken against their clubs.
The broadside, contained in a SARU media release, follows another ugly incident of club violence – with players getting into a physical scuffle and a referee being assaulted in a club game between Kowie United and Swallows RFC (Makhanda) in Port Alfred.
Cannon said he had ‘taken note’ of the statement issued by SARU.
“We deal with all aspects of safeguarding the game, and are aware of its essence for our brand – Eastern Province,” he told @rugby365com.
“[Of] cardinal [importance] for us is to continuously educate, training and ‘conscientising‘ the inclusive rugby base of our rugby rules, and understanding of same.
“We promote tolerance amongst all involved in the game.”
He ‘applauded’ Alexander for adding his voice and written action to EPRU’s collective effort in guaranteeing the safety of the game.
“National support for the betterment of the game is always appreciated.”
Cannon confirmed that an investigation has been launched into the attack on the referee and a subsequent ‘racist’ incident related to the match.
@king365ed
@rugby365com
* Related
SARU slams Eastern Cape club ‘thugs’
EP club’s fixtures suspended after ‘deplorable’ stabbing
