RFL suspend Doncaster captain Shaun Leaf over betting allegations

Ian Laybourn,Pa
Thursday 12 May 2011 11:16 BST
Comments
(GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Doncaster captain Shaun Leaf has been suspended with immediate effect pending the outcome of an investigation into an allegation that he bet on his side to lose a Challenge Cup match.

The Rugby Football League have provisionally suspended the 27-year-old centre following an alleged breach of their operational rules and the sport's betting code of conduct.

The RFL today launched an investigation into a newspaper claim that Leaf gambled on his team losing the fourth-round tie against their Super League opponents by more than 38 points.

The Wildcats scored an interception try in the last minute of the match at the Keepmoat Stadium to win 50-10. Leaf missed the match with a thumb injury.

The RFL say they are also looking into an alleged breach of rules surrounding a Co-operative Championship fixture in 2009.

"The RFL will be making no further comment on these cases until the conclusion of the investigations," said a spokesman.

In 2004, St Helens duo Sean Long and Martin Gleeson were each fined £7,500 and handed three-month and four-month suspensions respectively for betting on their under-strength team to lose by more than eight points in a Super League match at Bradford.

Doncaster chief executive Carl Hall, who is also the club's main shareholder, was unavailable for comment but chairman John Scarrow confirmed an internal inquiry has been launched.

"The club consider this a serious matter," he said. "We will be thoroughly investigating it in a proper and timely manner."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in