Castleford and Joe Westerman issue statement after viral video
Castleford have completed an internal investigation after a video alleged to involve loose forward Joe Westerman was shared on social media over the weekend.
The video appeared to show a man and a woman engaged in a sexual act in an alleyway at night.
It was shared on Twitter and picked up traction in the rugby league community on Sunday, resulting in the club issuing a statement this morning.
The brief club statement said: “Castleford Tigers are aware of a video involving a player that circulated on social media yesterday afternoon. This issue is currently being dealt with internally and the Club will make no further comment at this time.”
Westerman appeared to have deactivated his social media accounts following the statement.
His wife Lauren responded to a tweet saying that she wasn’t involved in the video.
She tweeted: “Can I make this VERY clear that this is NOT me!
“We have three children one of whom is almost 15 and she doesn’t need to see things like this all over social media!”
It has now also gained traction in the national press.
Former England international Westerman returned to Castleford for a second spell at the start of last season. He has made 387 career appearances and also played for Hull, Warrington, Toronto and Wakefield.
He hit the headlines for an extraordinary video in 2019 where he dislocated his knee in a televised game against Hull KR, and was shown knocking it back in place.
Castleford open up their Super League season with a trip to one of Westerman’s former clubs, Hull, on Sunday.
Joe Westerman issues official apology
A new statement issued by the club has confirmed that Westerman has been issued a “substantial fine” and will also be required to undertake community service to educate young people on the effects of alcohol.
Westerman himself commented: “Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to wholeheartedly apologise to my family and friends for my actions.
“I’d also like to apologise to the supporters, sponsors, staff, and directors of Castleford Tigers as well as my teammates.
“I’d like to extend this apology to the game of rugby league, and I have realised that I need to work on my decision-making around alcohol.”
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