Rochdale Hornets have released a statement saying they will stick by their centre Lewis Galbraith, who has been hit with an eight game ban for verbal abuse.
The Grade F charge ‘verbal abuse based on race, colour, religion, gender, sexual preference, disability, national or ethnic origin or any other form of Unacceptable Behaviour or Language’ came after the Hornets’ Summer Bash game against Oldham.
Ugly scenes in the last minute of the game saw Oldham’s Sam Gee and Rochdale’s Danny Yates given a red and yellow card respectively but Galbraith stayed on the field. Gee was given a Grade C charge for his part in the incident.
The Hornets have expressed their anger at the result of the independent hearing as one of their key players will now be ruled out of action until round six of the Championship Shield.
Rochdale chief executive Adam Bates told the club’s official website: “On paper this was a cut and dry case,”
“Both Oldham and the Rugby Football League were unable to provide any independent evidence whatsoever to prove the alleged incident happened.
“The club stands by Lewis and we will fight tooth and nail to ensure justice is done.”
Photo credit: Jackie Meredith (JMSportPix)
