Stankevitch banned from rugby league

Former Super League Grand Final winner John Stankevitch has been banned from rugby league for his refusal to pay an RFL fine.

Stankevitch, now director of rugby at Rochdale Hornets, was handed the £1,000 fine after being found guilty of verbally abusing a match official following the Northern Rail Cup match against Keighley in February.

He last week revealed his decision to step down as coach of the Hornets, but will remain involved with the club.

However, he has now been banned from involvement in matches, attendance at rugby league grounds on matchday and involvement in the business of any RFL member club.

An RFL statement said: "Stankevitch was deemed to have committed blatant and deliberate misconduct in his wilful disregard for RFL Operational Rules in his failure to pay fines imposed by two earlier RFL Tribunals.

"Stankevitch failed to pay the fines by the given deadline and did not exercise his right to  appeal and have a full re-hearing.

"The penalty will remain in force until full payment of the fines due is made. Stankevitch has also been informed that he has the right to appeal this decision pursuant to Operational Rule D1.33."

Of the initial £1,000 fine, £500 was suspended, but the RFL tribunal has now ordered Stankevitch to forget a further £250 which had been suspended from a previous misconduct charge.

Stankevitch, 32, made more than 150 appearances in Super League for St Helens and hometown club Widnes, before being forced to retire at the end of 2005 through injury.