Widnes Vikings have released a statement following yesterday’s Challenge Cup semi-final loss to Castleford Tigers, in which a group of fans invaded the pitch at the end of the match.
It reads: “We have pledged to work with the RFL to investigate the disgraceful scenes that followed at the conclusion of the Semi-Final of the Tetley’s Challenge Cup at Leigh Sports Village.
“Widnes Vikings, as a club, wishes to apologise to the sport of Rugby League, the BBC and the partners of the Challenge Cup, Tetley’s, for the disgraceful scenes perpetrated by a minority of their supporters following the end of the game.
“James Rule, Vikings CEO, said: ‘After all the hard work that’s gone into this season, both on and off the field by various stakeholders of the Club it’s sickening to see such shameful scenes perpetrated by a minority of ‘supporters’.
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‘We will now work closely with RFL and police and carry out a full investigation into this afternoon’s events. If any supporter is able to provide information and names that will assist our investigation then please send that in confidence to tellus@widnesvikings.co.uk.
‘It’s imperative that we all work together to try and salvage what is left if our reputation.
‘The Club’s recruitment drive for next season has been put on hold until such time that we can establish the full cost to the Club for today’s actions.
‘We will work fully with the RFL and the BBC to identify each and every individual that brought shame to the good name of our Club at full-time.'”
