It has been confirmed by both the RFL and Whitehaven that the Cumbrian club’s captain Dion Aiye will serve an eight-match ban following a tribunal last night.
Dion Aiye pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court last week to charges of assault by beating and harassment towards his former partner and the RFL has now taken action.
News of Aiye’s guilty plea, which landed him an 18-month community order including 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days plus 240 hours of unpaid work, was first reported locally in Cumbria.
The story gained traction over the weekend as the Championship season began with Aiye playing for Haven in their home opener against Swinton Lions, many fans criticising the club’s failure to comment on or seemingly take action against their club captain.
Following last night’s RFL tribunal in which Aiye was handed an eight-match ban the Championship club revealed that they had in fact stripped the ex-PNG Hunters star of the captaincy internally, adding that they’d made no further comment so as not to potentially prejudice Aiye’s case with the RFL.
A statement posted on the X account for Whitehaven read: “Whitehaven Rugby League can this evening confirm that Dion Aiye will serve an eight-match suspension following the conclusion of an RFL Tribunal this evening.
“The club has refrained from commenting on the ongoing matter until the conclusion of this evening’s tribunal so to ensure no prejudice came against Dion while investigations and matters were concluded. The club and Dion have accepted the findings of this evening’s tribunal. Dion was removed as club captain following his guilty plea in court and was replaced with James Newton by the Coach.
“Dion will also be fined the equivalent amount in wages for the period of his suspension. The club accepts all findings by the judicial system and this evening’s RFL tribunal and will not be appealing any judgement passed down.
“The club would like to thank those who have shown patience with ourselves during this period and shown understanding of what has been a delicate situation.
“We are now looking to draw a line under this matter and will be commenting no further moving forward.”
Haven’s social media post about Aiye’s ban can be seen here, or at the bottom of the article.
RFL confirm huge ban for Whitehaven’s Dion Aiye
Credit: Imago Images
News of Aiye’s ban was also confirmed by the RFL themselves who referenced the 35-year-old’s court case, something that Haven evaded by instead making reference to the “delicate situation”.
Instead, the RFL confirmed the charge, stating: “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.”
It’s certainly a strong message from the RFL but some will undoubtedly question if it goes far enough with the awful assault certainly bringing the game into disrepute.
As well as dealing with Aiye’s case the RFL tribunal also heard the appeal by Hull KR regarding Corey Hall’s two-game ban with the Robins being successful at overturning that charge, marking the eighth successful appeal out of thirteen this season across all competitions.
Meanwhile, the appeal against John Asiata’s Grade A charge incurred against St Helens has been further delayed despite the incident taking place almost three weeks ago on March 1st.
Following the conclusion of an RFL tribunal this evening the club makes the following statement. #WeareHaven pic.twitter.com/Si55HmMWeB
— Whitehaven Rugby League (@OfficialHavenRl) March 19, 2024
