Amid a toxic World Cup racism storm, the RFU has confirmed that a former councilor has been banned for calling a union volunteer a ‘black ****’.
Andrew Sarek pleaded guilty to making racist comments during an incident when he attended the England v Wales match at Twickenham on August 12.
After considering the evidence at an RFU disciplinary hearing on inclusivity and diversity on October 5, the panel ruled that Sarek should be banned from attending any rugby match in England or ‘carrying out any act of administration’ during that period.
The former councilor for Eastern Counties has also been informed that any future involvement in the sport as a spectator or official is conditional on completing, ‘to the satisfaction of the RFU’, the union’s online education module, entitled Tackling Racism in Sport.
The panel’s judgment concluded that had Sarek not pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, he would likely have been banned for two years, given the seriousness of the offence.
Former RFU councilor Andrew Sarek (pictured) has been banned from attending England matches after admitting making racist comments
The RFU pushed for a severe penalty and the lack of an apology was cited as a reason to impose a substantial sanction. The judgment states: ‘Mr Sarek showed no insight into his racist behavior. Education is an essential part of this sanction.’
In his own statement, Sarek said: “I am not a racist, nor have I ever been accused of being one, or of having racist views.”
Describing his outburst as an ‘aberration’, he added: ‘What I said was rude and insensitive and I am deeply sorry for the pain and distress I have caused. If a disciplinary hearing is required, I am prepared to accept whatever punishment the panel deems appropriate.”
What is striking about the lengthy verdict is the testimony of the unnamed victim. As someone with a long-standing involvement in the sport, he said: ‘I’m getting tired of defending the people in the game of rugby.’ This related to issues of racism.
This latest installment won’t change the perception that the game has a deep-rooted problem with discrimination, especially at the grassroots level.
Earlier this year, the RFU announced that another former councillor, Alex Murphy, had been expelled for saying – during the England v Wales match at Twickenham in February 2022 -: ‘You realize they don’t let n****rs in . the Royal Box’.
South Africa’s Bongi Mbonambi may play in the World Cup final tomorrow
This follows a World Rugby investigation after he was accused of making racist comments against Tom Curry (pictured)
Last year, former England center Luther Burrell revealed how he had encountered racism during his career in an explosive Mail Sport interview. His testimony led to a fundamental review of racism and classism in the game, on behalf of the RFU, Premiership Rugby and the RPA – the players’ union. This led to the creation of an inclusivity and diversity action plan for English rugby.
The timing of this disciplinary verdict is unfortunate, to say the least, as it comes amid the ongoing fallout from the events at the Stade de France last weekend.
Tom Curry faced a vicious backlash on social media after complaining about being called a ‘white ****’ by Bongi Mbonambi. The Springbok hooker has been cleared to play in tomorrow’s World Cup final after a World Rugby investigation into the incident found there was insufficient evidence to take action.
The decision sparked a furious response from the RFU – and the English governing body will point to the punishment imposed on Sarek as evidence of their determination to stamp out racism.