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Rugby League

Hull launch probe into crowd trouble

09/07/2007

Super League side Hull FC have announced they will be launching a full-scale investigation into the violent scenes that marred the end of their local derby against Hull KR yesterday.

Following Hull FC's 30-20 victory, which saw their local rivals slip to 11th in the Super League table – one point above bottom side Salford City Reds, Hull chief executive James Rule said fans that invaded the pitch could face life bans.

At the end of the match, players from the visiting side remained on the pitch to applaud the travelling fans when crowds from both teams spilled onto the pitch and clashed at midfield.

"In the modern game it is totally unacceptable for fans of any club to encroach onto the playing surface for any reason," Rule said.

"That being said we will be carrying out a full and thorough investigation to see what happened and one thing you can be sure of, if we deem it appropriate on the outcome of the investigation then fans from both clubs will be banned from Craven Park and the KC Stadium for life.

"What we will not tolerate is a minority bringing the great name of our club into disrepute."

Hull KR chief executive Paul Lakin also announced that his club would assist in any way possible the investigations.

"It is obviously very disappointing that after another exciting derby match fans encroached onto the pitch despite repeated announcements not to do so," he said.

"Both clubs are determined that the minority of fans who were involved in any incidents after the game, will be fully investigated and banned accordingly.

"I have today received full video footage of the fans encroaching onto the pitch, this will be further supported by reports from the safety officer and match day police commander, and I would also encourage any fans that have further evidence to bring this to the attention of the club.

"I would like to further add whilst in no way is it acceptable for fans to enter onto the pitch, the vast majority had no intention of doing so in any aggressive nature, and that the pitch was subsequently cleared in a quick and effective manner."

The Rugby Football League have also confirmed they will be in consultation with both clubs to ascertain how both sets of fans were allowed to get on to the Craven Park pitch.

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