“Banning orders issued” – St Helens release statement following crowd trouble at Hull KR

St Helens have released a statement regarding the behaviour of fans after ugly scenes showing clashes between fans of the Red Vee and Hull KR emerged online last weekend.

Saints fell to one of their heaviest defeats in recent memory as Hull KR ran riot at Craven Park with the 40-20 win cementing the Robins’ status as contenders this Super League season.

For St Helens, it was a missed opportunity to go top of the table and for a small group of fans, it proved frustrating enough that they engaged in clashes with stewards and fans of the home side.

Footage quickly emerged online that showed a small number of St Helens fans having to be separated from a small number of Hull KR fans by stewards with objects thrown between the two sets of fans.

The game was a total sell-out of both home and away fans and the action lived up to the hype but sadly the crowd issues marred what could have been a brilliant day for rugby league, and St Helens have now commented on the matter.

St Helens lay down the law after fan trouble footage emerges

The RFL had confirmed to Serious About Rugby League that they would be investigating the incidents with statements requested from both clubs privately, however, Saints have gone about publishing a public statement too.

In a post on their club website, St Helens reiterated their “zero-tolerance approach to any anti-social behaviour”.

The statement read: “St Helens R.F.C. would like to reiterate that our club operates a zero-tolerance approach to any anti-social behaviour.

“It is always the Club’s desire that everyone who comes to enjoy our fixtures can do so in a safe and friendly environment, both at our home, the Totally Wicked Stadium, or at away venues.”

Specifically on last week’s incident, the club commented: “The support that the Saints have had for the early stages of the 2024 season has been brilliant, with big numbers of travelling fans going to each of our away fixtures so far such as 1,200 fans going to the South of France, or our sold-out away allocation at Hull KR last Saturday. Such fantastic backing of the team is wholeheartedly appreciated by all involved at St.Helens, and most importantly by the team itself.

“However, following the Round 10 match last Saturday, a very small minority of people have unfortunately let the Club and our fans down with anti-social behaviour, which not only costs the Club money due to fines or penalties, but such behaviour does not create the safe or friendly environment we desire for all fans to enjoy.

“As a result of such anti-social behaviour, a range of banning orders have been issued to people who will not be welcome at our home or other rugby league grounds. The Club will not allow the actions of a small minority to affect our fans’ matchday experiences.

“Misbehaviours that will not be tolerated include but are not limited to; physical or verbal abuse, violent conduct, missile throwing, excessive alcohol misuse, and any drug misuse. Furthermore, the use of pyrotechnics is strictly prohibited under both rugby and football ground regulations. They can cause serious injuries to those who carry them as well as fellow spectators, as well as damage to surfaces such as the playing pitch which can cost clubs thousands of pounds.”

St Helens would then highlight the vast majority of excellent fans that they have, and rightly so, with the statement concluding: “In closing, St.Helens R.F.C. would like to reaffirm the large majority of our fanbase continues to be excellent supporters, and your ongoing cooperation is greatly appreciated.”

As St Helens were correct to highlight, it is the small minority of fans that ruin events for all those involved and the club should be commended for swift action to weed out individuals and hand out banning orders to those directly involved.

The Red Vee travel to Castleford Tigers tonight with details of that game and all other rugby league games on TV available here.