Roodepoort players found not guilty on charges of racism laid by the Lions
After nearly two months of investigation by the GLRU's independent disciplinary committee, Roodepoort has been cleared of all racism charges.
After months of investigation into the incident between Roodepoort and Wanderers Rugby Clubs, Roodepoort has been cleared of all racism charges by the Golden Lions Rugby Union (GLRU).
Roodepoort was landed with the charges after Wanderers alleged that one of their U/21 players had been called a “k*****” by an U/21 Roodepoort player during a scuffle after their clash on 25 April. The incident was immediately thrown up into the air and received widespread media coverage, and investigations were soon begun by the GLRU’s Disciplinary Committee, which consists of independent members.
Roodepoort has now been cleared of all the racism charges that were brought against its players by Wanderers, following nearly two months of investigations.
“While there was testimony that a racial slur was made, no specific person was identified as having made the alleged remark,” read a statement issued by Poorte.
Even though the focus was placed on the racism issue, there was also a scuffle between players that had to be investigated. Following that investigation, Poorte player, Ruben Chambers, has received a four-match (suspended) suspension. This means that he as has served a one-match suspension already, the remaining three will hang over his head unserved, as long as he doesn’t contravene Rule 10(A) of the Laws of Rugby (‘Striking another player with a hand, arm or fist’), before the end of the 2019 season.
“RRC [Roodepoort] supported and participated in the GLRU disciplinary process and welcomes its decision. We look forward to working closely with the GLRU and Wanderers in ensuring that nothing like this happens again and have agreed to a mediation and reconciliation process led by the South African Human Rights Commission,” said Roxy Roux, chairman of Roodepoort Rugby Club.
Roodepoort has also reportedly engaged in a process conducted by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), whose aim is to investigate issues of racism, victimisation, harassment and bullying. According to the statement, the management team at Roodepoort will, in partnership with the GLRU and the SAHRC, run an anti-racism workshop for all players and coaching staff leading up to the 2019 season.
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