JOHANNESBURG - An investigation by the Golden Lions Rugby Union has been unable to prove that any racism was at play during an altercation between the Under-21 players of Roodepoort Rugby Club and Wanderers in April.
The Lions made their finding known on Monday following a disciplinary tribunal. It was alleged that during a fight between the two teams on April 25 that the Wanderers players had been racially abused.
The disciplinary committee, using the evidence of two players, found the players “not guilty” of using a racist remark during play. While there was testimony that a racial slur was made, no specific person was identified to have made an alleged remark.
On another count, one player from Roodepoort Rugby Club, prop Ruben Chambers, was found guilty of striking another player, from Wanderers, and banned for four games, three of which are suspended until the end of the 2019 season, on condition he is not found guilty of contravening Rule 10 (A) of the Laws of Rugby.
The Lions have recommended that all the players involved in the incident attend a workshop on human rights and racism in an attempt to prevent any further similar situations. It is understood the teams will meet again on Wednesday night in the return fixture.