Widnes CEO blasts “disgraceful scenes” after cup semi-final

James Gordon

Widnes chief executive James Rule has issued an apology and promised a full investigation following the crowd trouble involving the club’s fans after Sunday’s Challenge Cup semi-final defeat against Castleford.

The Vikings were beaten 28-6 by the Tigers at Leigh Sports Village in front of a sell-out crowd, but ugly scenes after the hooter marred the occasion.

In a statement, the club said it wishes to apologise to the sport of rugby league, the BBC and Challenge Cup partners Tetley’s.

Rule said: “After all the hard work that’s gone into this season, both on and off the field by various stakeholders of the Club, it’s sickening to see such shameful scenes perpetrated by a minority of ‘supporters’.

“”We will now work closely with RFL and police and carry out a full investigation into this afternoon’s events. If any supporter is able to provide information and names that will assist our investigation then please send that in confidence to tellus@wodnesvikings.co.uk.

“It’s imperative that we all work together to try and salvage what is left if our reputation.

“”The Club’s recruitment drive for next season has been put on hold until such time that we can establish the full cost to the Club for today’s actions.

“”We will work fully with the RFL and the BBC to identify each and every individual that brought shame to the good name of our Club at full-time.””