Leigh Leopards have had a meteoric rise to be sitting second in Super League and they’ve since made it to Wembley for the Challenge Cup final.
They booked their place in the big game with a 12-10 win over St Helens and it was a game that was full of drama.
With just a minute to go Saints scored as try to get back in it with the conversion to kick to tie the game up.
Fortunately for the Leopards it was missed and after seeing out Saints’ short kick-off attempt the Leopards fans went into dreamland.
What followed was a pitch invasion, something owner Derek Beaumont encouraged against, and now the club have released a statement following the incident to their website.
“Leigh Leopards can confirm that having undertaken an initial investigation into the behaviour of its spectators at the Halliwell Jones Stadium for the Betfred Challenge Cup semi-final tie it now seeks the assistance of those spectators located in the West Stand concerning the unacceptable use of a flare.
“The club was extremely disappointed by the entry to the pitch by its fans and would like to strongly remind all spectators attending games at any stadium that they must adhere by the club’s own ground regulations and Supporters’ Code of Conduct, those of the RFL and the stadium they are entering, all of which can be found on the relevant websites.
“All ground regulations and codes of conduct prevent entry to the field of play and the club have been placed in a difficult position of having breeched RFL policies due to the conduct of its fans.
Club owner Derek Beaumont said: “It was a massive event for the town and the club, and as a passionate fan myself I know only too well how that passion can overflow in such an emphatic and emotional game, with fans wanting to congratulate their heroes.
“That said, it is wholly unacceptable to enter the field of play and I must advise all fans that any future recurrence of this behaviour will result in a banning order for anyone committing the offence.
“On this occasion given the circumstances, combined with the fact that when instructed to do so by myself, our team and the stewards, spectators returned to the stand and during the pitch entry no offences were committed, we as a club are prepared to deal with this as a caution to all that entered.
“We are very proud of our club and its reputation, and we thank everyone for their support, but we will eradicate any poor behaviour that jeopardises that reputation.”
Mr Beaumont added: “However, regarding the lighting of a flare, this is an extremely serious and dangerous position and cannot be accepted under any circumstances. I plead to our spectators to identify the culprit and we have sought assistance from the Warrington ground safety officer to identify the culprit, so we can ensure that person is dealt with appropriately.
“I would like to apologise to our fans who were subjected to the effects of the flare and to the person whom I have been made aware of that was injured in the incident with burns to their body. Everyone watching Rugby League and most certainly Leigh Leopards must be able to do so knowing they will not be subjected to risk of injury from mindless, irresponsible acts.
“It is our job to ensure we can provide those assurances and I would like to assure all fans that we will ensure a zero tolerance approach to such behaviour.
“We have 2,000 pre-sold tickets to our round two Battle of the Borough with our neighbours Wigan Warriors tomorrow and no doubt there will be more attend on the day. I would urge all our fans to have a great time and create a great atmosphere and show what our club is about live on Channel 4 and be vocal for the lads.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to respectfully ask our fans to refrain from singing the unwelcome flute song which also places the club in breach of RFL rules and to please continue with the new songs and other older songs that have made for a great atmosphere so far this season and been greatly appreciated by the lads.”
Any fan with information concerning the flare incident or any other unacceptable behaviour can report this directly to the club in the strictest confidence by emailing enquiries@leighrl.co.uk
