Halifax urge fans not to protest
Halifax directors have asked fans not to go ahead with planned protest against the RFL and the decision not to award a license to the club. The independent supporters trust have planned to protest at the televised game against Widnes tonight.
In a statement on the club website the board of directors revealed they have been having “positive” talks with the RFL over the decision not to award the club a license for Super League.
Director Tony Abbot issued a statement on the club website “I can understand the fans’ frustration at us missing out on a Super League licence but their decision to stage this protest is unhelpful at this stage.”
“Even though some supporters may not like it, the fact is that the licensing was introduced in 2008 with the overwhelming support of clubs and that is the system with which we have to work.”
“The club are proud to be champions of the Co-operative Championship but everyone knew that winning the Grand Final last year did not give us automatic entry to Super League.”
“The directors of Halifax RLFC accept that the RFL followed the specified process in assessing our application and that we have been treated fairly and equitably.”
“We received formal feedback on our licence application from the RFL on Tuesday of last week and are continuing to hold positive dialogue with the governing body.”
“We have today received full written details of our application assessment and can confirm that, although we are not privy to any other Club’s application we have absolutely no reason to believe that that assessment was anything other than fair and objective, in accordance with the criteria applied to this round of licensing.”
“The findings of that assessment are already being addressed to ensure that the RFL is aware of the readiness of the Club to step up if one of the current licence holders fails to fulfil its licence terms. At worst this will help us strengthen our bid for a Super League licence in the next round of licensing in three years time to put Halifax RLFC where it, and its supporters deserve to be – in Super League/”
“In the meantime I urge everyone in Halifax to get behind the club and help us look forward with confidence to what I believe is a very exciting future.”