KEIGHLEY COUGARS have been fined by the RFL following the controversial postponement of last month’s clash with Dewsbury Rams.
They have also been ordered to reimburse the Rams’ £575 travel costs.
The fixture, due to be played at Cougar Park on July 12 and pencilled in as the club’s annual Pride fixture, was postponed shortly before kick-off due to concerns over the safety of the pitch.
That was despite Cougars owners Ryan O’Neill and Kaue Garcia believing the game could have gone ahead, with a women’s Northern League Three fixture between Keighley and Oldham having taken place there just hours beforehand.
However, Keighley have been deemed at fault for the postponement by Rugby League’s governing body.
A statement read: “Keighley Cougars have been fined £2,000 – with £1,000 suspended until the end of the 2028 season – after being found in breach of Operational Rules which relate to compliance with RFL rules, altering fixtures without approval and conduct bringing the game into disrepute.”
The fixture was eventually played at Rose Cottage, the home of neighbouring Keighley Rugby Union, on July 29, with Dewsbury running out 26-16 victors.