Featherstone Rovers’ chief reacts to hefty RFL punishment

This afternoon, Featherstone Rovers were handed a £6,000 fine for ‘unacceptable behaviour’ by members of their support during consecutive home games.

Following the conclusion of the RFL investigation on spectator behaviour, Featherstone’s chief executive, Martin Vickers made the following statement:

“In my time at the Club, I have been very proud of the great support received by the Club’s supporters, their passion and commitment to the Club is second to none in the game.

“It is therefore very disappointing to face action like this due to the actions of a very small minority of supporters. At a time when funding is being reduced and we strive to but the best possible team on the field, these incidents and their impact both directly and indirectly hamper our progress, we condemn this behaviour of a small number of our supporters and will redouble our efforts to make the Millennium Stadium a welcoming environment for all visitors.”

An RFL statement read: “Featherstone Rovers and the RFL have reached an Agreed Decision as a sanction for unacceptable behaviour by supporters during consecutive home Betfred Championship fixtures in 2021.

“2In each incident, the club have been found guilty of breaching Operational Rule B1:8, and as a result have been fined a total of £6,000 – half of it suspended until the end of the 2022 season.”

It’s difficult news for Rovers who are gearing up for another tilt at Championship promotion under new head coach Brian McDermott in 2022 following a heartbreaking defeat to Toulouse in the Million Pound Game.