AN ALLOA rugby president, who told a "rape joke" at a sports dinner, has been sanctioned by Scottish Rugby - and has been banned from attending games.
Alan Stewart, president of Alloa RFC, was reported for his conduct after speaking at a Musselburgh Rugby Football Club dinner on April 18, where he told deeply offensive jokes.
He told jokes described as “racist, homophobic and sexist”, ending his speech "with a joke about rape”. The comments left some women in the audience in tears and resulted in multiple complaints to Scottish Rugby.
It also resulted in the resignation of James Ferguson, the Musselburgh women’s team coach, who heard about the evening’s events a few days later from players and then resigned from the club.
The events led the rugby authority to launch an investigation into Mr Stewart's comments and conduct, which they described as "wholly unacceptable".
Now, reaching a decision, Scottish Rugby said: "The misconduct complaint has been upheld on Mr Stewart. He has been banned from attending matches or any match venue in Scotland for 12 months.
"Furthermore, he has received a suspension from holding any role within the club game for a period of 12 months.
"He is also required to undertake equality, diversity and inclusion training at the direction of Scottish Rugby."
