Dane Chisholm reacts to successful appeal against eight-game ban
19th January 2020, Hull College Craven Park, Kingston upon Hull, England; Rugby League Pre Season, Hull Kingston Rovers v Featherstone Rovers : Shaun Kenny-Dowall (3) of Hull KR puts a strong tackle on Dane Chisholm (7) of Featherstone Rovers Credit: David Greaves/News Images
Dane Chisholm has thanked Featherstone Rovers chief executive Martin Vickers, chairman Mark Campbell, head coach Brian McDermott and the Rovers fans for their support after his eight-match ban for a ‘serious derogatory slur’ was rescinded.
It followed a successful appeal by Chisholm and Featherstone with the club now able to focus on the important season ahead.
Chisholm tweeted: “Happy to be able to move past this and focus on achieving our goals this season. I can’t thank Mark, Martin, Brian and the fans enough for all the support during this time. Exciting times to be a Rover.”
Happy to be able to move past this and focus on achieving our goals this season. I can’t thank Mark, Martin , Brian and the fans enough , for all the support during this time. Exciting times to be a Rover. 🔵⚪️ https://t.co/zXs1mODSo8
— Dane Chisholm (@dane_chisholm) January 28, 2022
Dane Chisholm was previously found guilty of allegedly calling a physio a “f***ing spastic” and is alleged to have made the slur after the medic walked backwards into Chisholm and collided with him during a game at Oldham during the 2021 Championship season.
The incident was reported to the Rugby Football League (RFL), who launched an investigation before deciding to charge Chisholm with using “discriminatory language and conduct”.
The Featherstone halfback was then found guilty at a tribunal hearing, but the 31-year-old has vigorously denied any such incident took place and his appeal has now been successful.
Featherstone Rovers CEO Martin Vickers commented: “We are pleased that the panel have reversed their decision. This is a clear vindication of both the club and of Dane as an individual, we’re grateful for the help of our legal team in this matter. This has been a difficult period for Dane and his family, the club will continue to provide it’s full support.”
That means that Chisholm is free to play as Rovers look to gather the momentum needed for Super League promotion at the end of the year.