Whitehaven chairman Tommy Todd has criticised the RFL and apologised to fans over the way that prop John Todd’s four-match suspension for breaching doping regulations was announced last week.
The 23-year-old tested positive for Nandrolone, an anabolic steroid, following an out-of-competition test on November 27, 2015, just days after joining Haven from Ellenborough Rangers.
The frontrower, who is from Maryport in Cumbria, admitted the rule violation and is suspended until December 17, 2019.
But, in a statement on the club website, Haven’s Chairman has hit out at the way the news was announced.
Tommy Todd said: “The club has refrained from commenting on rumour about this situation until we had something in the way of confirmation from the RFL and I am somewhat annoyed that after consistently asking the RFL for a definitive ‘statement’ that they chose to release it on their website without informing the club first.
“I was on the phone as recently as yesterday asking questions, but with no reply.
“Once again social media takes precedence over what I would see as ‘proper channels’ and for that I can only apologise to the fans.”
Todd’s statement also added: “We are disappointed that he (John Todd) saw fit to do so, but would stress that it did not take place during the short period he trained with the club.
“I hope young players take note of how taking these substances has a huge impact on their lives and families and friends.”
This article originally appeared in League Express. Buy your copy every week to get the latest from every Championship and League One club.