Championship player Dion Aiye stood down just weeks after lengthy ban for assault

Championship club Whitehaven have released a short statement confirming that they have suspended former captain Dion Aiye whilst they investigate an incident from the weekend.

Back in March, the RFL suspended Aiye for eight weeks after he had pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court to charges of assault by beating and harassment towards his former partner.

That guilty plea in the court system saw him handed an 18-month community order which included 20 ‘rehabilitation activity requirement days’ and 240 hours of unpaid work, as first reported locally.

The RFL then took their own action and handed Aiye an eight-match ban whilst Haven revealed that he had been stripped of his role as club captain internally, so as not to sway further judgement against the former PNG Hunters man.

Fast forward ten weeks down the line and Haven have once again had to release a statement about their controversial former captain “following an incident over the weekend”. As yet, the details remains unclear but the club have confirmed that he will be suspended from al club activities pending investigation.

Dion Aiye suspended again ten weeks after assault charge

Ten weeks ago, when the eight-match ban was handed down to Aiye, the RFL released a statement of their own and they may potentially be drawn into this case too.

Haven tweeted: “Following an incident over the weekend the board of directors can confirm they have suspended Dion Aiye with immediate effect from carrying out his role at the club pending further investigation. The club will not be making any further comment at this time.”

The RFL themselves, also added a condemning statement when they handed down the eight-week back, but it’s not prevented Aiye from finding yet more controversy.

Confirming the charge back in March, the RFL said: “Dion Aiye has been suspended for eight matches at a tribunal hearing this evening.

“Players are subject to RFL Operational Rules relating to off field misconduct if they are convicted of a criminal offence. Earlier this month the Whitehaven player was given an 18-month community order, with 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 240 hours of unpaid work, after pleading guilty to a charge of assault by beating and harassment. The court also imposed a five-year restraining order banning Aiye from any contact with his victim or her daughter.

“In reaching its decision, the tribunal considered the offence and the sentence handed down by the court, and the restrictions the player had already been subject to for a period preceding his conviction.”

Serious About Rugby League have contacted the RFL for further comment on the latest incident that Haven have reported.