Toronto Wolfpack owner fined by RFL following racist comments

Toronto Wolfpack owner David Argyle has been fined £7,500 by the RFL for racially abusing a Swinton player.

An investigation was launched after Swinton player Jose Kenga revealed the comments on social media, with Argyle subsequently issuing an apology and then resigning from his roles as chief executive and chairman of the club.

An RFL statement said: “Following a compliance investigation, Mr Argyle was found to have breached four of the RFL’s operational rules.

“The RFL takes a zero-tolerance approach to the use of any unacceptable language based on someone’s race. The sanction reflects this and the relevant mitigating factors relating to this matter.

“These include that Mr Argyle admitted the charge, has apologised publicly to the Swinton player Jose Kenga, has made strong statements denouncing the language and has stepped down from his roles as chairman and CEO.

“The RFL is fully committed to ensuring that rugby league is an inclusive sport accessible and enjoyed by all.

“As such it will ring-fence a proportion of the imposed fine for the Enjoy the Game Campaign, specifically regarding the inclusion of BAME (black, asian and minority ethnic) individuals in rugby league.

“The RFL will work with Swinton Lions and/or Jose Kenga on how the funds can best be utilised for this.”