Catalans owner Bernard Guasch banned after “making physical contact” with referee

Catalans have confirmed that owner Bernard Guasch has been banned from attending any matches involving the club for four weeks.

He breached the RFL’s Operational Rules following their game against Huddersfield on June 3.

The incident involved Guasch using offensive language and questioning the integrity of a match official, and making physical contact.

It follows a fine of £10,000, of which £2,500 was suspended, for his comments about match officials after the Dragons’ Grand Final defeat to St Helens.

MORE: Catalans owner Bernard Guasch fined for Grand Final comments

Well below acceptable standards

Guasch has already sat out two Dragons matches; so his ban will expire following the home game against Warrington on July 10.

An RFL statement said: “This type of behaviour has no place in the sport of Rugby League. Pursuant to the RFL’s Respect Policy, Rugby League prides itself on being a family game which is inclusive, uncompromising and passionate, and the principles of ‘Respect’ set out the obligations on all participants to maintain the game’s high standard.

“Mr Guasch’s actions clearly fall well below acceptable standards in respect of adherence with the Respect Policy. Furthermore, this is Mr Guasch’s second incident of matters involving Match Officials in 12 months.”

Guasch was also fined £10,000, of which £5,000 has been suspended until the end of the 2023 season and will be activated if found guilty of any further offence.

The previously suspended £2,500 fine from the Grand Final incident is also now payable.

A Dragons spokesperson added: “M. Guasch has accepted his responsibility in this matter, and has put in place a plan that will ensure the Match Officials are safe and not approached in such a manner by anyone, especially Directors whilst at the Catalans Dragons stadium in future.”

Catalans lost the match against Huddersfield 22-14, having trailed 18-2 at half-time. The referee for the match was Chris Kendall.

The Dragons had a late try by Matthieu Laguerre disallowed, which Dragons coach Steve McNamara called a “poor decision”.

FOLLOW: Keep up with all the latest on the Love Rugby League mobile app and podcast