8 games is shocking. Wigan should really sack him tbh.

I’m glad he was found guilty by an independent panel, rather than the pitchfork and flaming torch brigade, that sometimes shows up on these forums.

Judge says he's not a racist.

I can not believe the statement I’ve seen from the RFL.
Two things:
1. The assertion that someone who racially abused another player is in fact not a racist. This is almost a racist comment in itself, based on the belief that racist behaviour doesn’t make someone a racist. Defending racists in this way is horrendous from the RFL.
2. The justification of racism based on the argument of “simply that on this occasion he used unacceptable language in the heat of the moment.” This is the RFL making excuses for racism.

Sometimes it helps to read the room.

You do know the panel is independent and not the RFL right?

Wouldn’t you consider the statement to be the RFL’s, given it’s on their website and they’ve released it?

Did Clubb admit it? It’s not clear from the report.

I would prefer the court room decide as il this case, this Judge made his decision.

In reaching its decision the tribunal, chaired by His Honour Judge Guy Kearl QC, considered submissions from both players and clubs, the match official’s report, broadcast footage and character references.
We have considered the evidence of both players and the circumstances surrounding the allegation and find that we are reasonably satisfied, taking into account the seriousness of the charge, that the words were said, albeit in the heat of the moment, but nevertheless were said.

“They do constitute unacceptable language based on [a player’s] racial and ethnic origin and therefore we find that this was serious misconduct which has brought the game into disrepute.

“On the other hand we have considered the character references placed before us by Wigan Warriors from those who know [Tony Clubb] well at the club. We do not find that he is a racist, simply that on this occasion he used unacceptable language in the heat of the moment.

Lol

I've never used racist or bigoted language in the heat of the moment as guess what I'm not a racist or a bigot.

Tony clubb may not be a member of the BNP but the fact still remains that for someone to use such language clearly feels that language is not offensive.