Leigh Centurions owner Derek Beaumont backs RFL Chairman following ‘abuse’ over Ralph Rimmer comments

Derek Beaumont will likely be on cloud nine at the moment in the wake of funding Leigh Centurions’ return to Super League by masterminding some incredible signings.

That, amongst other exciting stories like the start of the World Cup, have however been left in the shadow of a recent controversy regarding the Chief Executive of the RFL in Ralph Rimmer over comments he made about the Fijian squad at the Championship and League 1 awards dinner which ironically also overshadowed another of Beaumont’s proud achievements: the fact one of his players Edwin Ipape was crowned Championship Player of the Year that night.

Since then, the RFL conducted the necessary investigation into the comments made spearheaded by Chairman Simon Johnson.

The verdict returned was that Rimmer needed education on the matter rather than punishment. Rimmer is already set to leave the RFL at the end of the year.

Many have slammed this decision believing that it isn’t the anti-racism symbol it needed to be.

Fortunately, the vast majority choose to express their disappointment in a commendable manner, but sadly there will always be those who take one step too far and RFL Chairman Simon Jordan has opened up on Twitter about the abuse he has received over the verdict.

He said: “Whilst off grid for Sabbath, got a fair bit of incoming abuse & insults. I am apparently corrupt, racist & should resign. Hope you all feel better now. Now please can we all get behind the Rugby League World Cup & support whoever is our favourite team. Let’s put the joy back into rugby league.”

Whilst off grid for Sabbath, got a fair bit of incoming abuse & insults. I am apparently corrupt, racist & should resign.
Hope you all feel better now.

Now please can we all get behind @RLWC2021 & support whoever is our favourite team. Let's put the joy back into #rugbyleague

— Simon Johnson (@sjrbsimon) October 8, 2022

He has now been supported by Beaumont who also took to Twitter to say: “Spot on Simon. If only people knew the hard work that gets out into the game or at least listened to those that do know and are part of it. Keep doing what you and the rest of the board do and do it knowing those that know care and care not for those who don’t.”

Spot on Simon. If only people knew the hard work that gets out into the game or at least listened to those that do know and are part of it. Keep doing what you and the rest of the board do and do it knowing those that know care and care not for those who don’t 👍 https://t.co/VKsd4GIxjB

— Derek John Beaumont (@derek_beaumont) October 10, 2022