This is unacceptable behaviour from a proffesional sportsman

stubacca68 · #1 (**permalink**) 19-09-2006, 01:04 PM

Northampton have expressed dismay at the verbal outburst by Mark Robinson that earned the scrum-half a written warning from the Rugby Football Union.

The former All Black, 30, was found to have used "inappropriate language" towards Bath's Andy Higgins but was cleared of making racist remarks.

"We are not surprised that our name has been cleared," said Saints chief executive Allan Robson.

"But we were disappointed with Mark Robinson's verbal outburst."

Robson added: "Mark has been reminded that although rugby is an intense, emotional game, Saints are fortunate to have a large following of ladies and children who do not wish to hear expletives.

"To his credit, Mark acknowledged this and apologises to anyone who came within earshot.

"Now all of us at Saints just want to get on with preparing for Saturday's match against Gloucester."

Robinson strenuously denied making any racist comments and Robson reiterated Saints' position on the matter.

"Northampton takes any allegation of racial abuse very seriously and we have a zero tolerance policy in this respect," he said.

"The allegations came as a great shock to everyone at the club but if any good can come from a situation like this then this has made us reaffirm our position on the matter."

This is completely un acceptable in any part of normal life, let alone by a proffesional sportsman! even though he has been cleared of the racist part, there must be something in the incident for the game to be stopped and then for the RFU to launch an inquiry.