Keighley ball boy “left in tears” following crowd abuse

Drew Darbyshire 12 Aug 2019 12:07 PM

Keighley are investigating an incident of crowd abuse that left a ball boy in tears after their defeat to Hunslet.

The unnamed ball boy was left distraught following some comments from the crowd after their 32-10 defeat to Hunslet at Cougar Park on Saturday.

There were three red cards and three yellow cards shown on the field in an ill-tempered match – but Cougars coach Rhys Lovegrove was made to comfort a distraught ball boy after the full-time hooter.

In a statement released by Keighley, it read: “Keighley Cougars are both saddened and appalled to hear of an indent that took place in tonight’s game.

“The club has received several reports following this evening’s fixture of discord, some of which has seen our ball boys receiving verbal abuse from the terraces and a member of staff also being on the receiving end of these comments.

“Head coach Rhys Lovegrove following the game dealt with a ball boy who had been let in tears following some of the comments and remarks received from the stands.

“Keighley Cougars prides itself on being a family club and take zero tolerance to any troublesome behaviour, whether it be physically or verbally, especially when it ruins the enjoyment of the game of ball boys and fellow supporters.”

Keighley are calling on any witnesses with any information or evidence of the incident to contact the club immediately by emailing info@cougarmania.co.uk.