HARLOW Rugby Club has sent out a stern message that it will not tolerate scenes at the club that have led to a number of players suspended and parents banned.

The club, based at Latton Park, put out a message on their Facebook page at the weekend (see below).

It refers to an incident in the match between Harlow Colts and Burnham on Crouch played on Sunday October 20th.

Essex Rugby held a Disciplinary Hearing in respect of four individuals last month.

Two players and two parents were the subjects of the hearing.

The hearing heard from the referee in which he described a fight between Harlow and Burnham players.

He then describes how two parents got onto the pitch.

He goes onto state:

“While I did not see a parent throw a punch. I did see them physically grabbing and
pushing players.

“At this point my concern shifted to them being on the pitch and the children’s safety.

“I did not see any punches thrown by players as I was the moving from the other side of the pitch although it was alleged that they took place.

“I immediately addressed the two parents and informed them that they must leave the
pitch and cannot enter it. I then escorted one parent and the second one followed him
off.

“As I did this the other parent kept telling me I need to do my job and break up the
fight.

“I called both coaches over after the boys were separated and spoke to them about
expectations and that they should not allow parents to enter the pitch”

The hearing heard from both parents who apologised for their actions. The report stated that they were not members of the club.

They have both been banned from the club for five months apart from being allowed to drop off and pick up their son.

The two Harlow players (who were subs at the time) also apologised and have been banned for fourteen weeks.

The club issued a statement on their Facebook page.

They state: “Everyone must be clear that entering the field of play without permission from the referee and any physical or verbal abuse of match officials is totally unacceptable and the Club will take the strongest possible action against those involved including, where appropriate, permanent exclusion from the Club.

This sort of behaviour has no place at Harlow RUFC or, indeed, in the game of rugby union generally.”