New Cross fined over abused ref

Wednesday, December 30, 2009, 09:33

NEW CROSS have been hit with a £50 fine and warned about their future conduct following a Devon discipline hearing into allegations of referee abuse.

Devon hauled New Cross in to answer charges that referee John Morris, a military chaplain from East Devon, was abused after the game against Totnes last month.

Three individuals – two players and a supporter – were specified in the charges.

Having heard New Cross's side of the story, the panel fined the club and issued the individuals concerned with six-week bans, which have been suspended for the rest of the season.

New Cross have also been ordered to write to all their members – playing and otherwise – spelling out acceptable standards of behaviour.

"If they stay out of trouble the suspensions will be considered spent at the end of the season," said discipline secretary Terry Friend.

"If New Cross are found to have stepped out of line again, then the suspensions will come into force. Other sanctions could be imposed as well."

Devon RFU has the power to suspend clubs from playing, or deduct league points from their totals, which could mean relegation in the worst-case scenario.

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