Eastern Suburbs escape sanction despite fans being found to have made racist remarks against West Harbour

Eastern Suburbs have escaped sanctioning despite a committee finding their spectators made racist remarks during a trial match last month.

Eastern Suburbs have been engulfed in a racism scandal in the Shute Shield.

Eastern Suburbs have escaped sanctioning despite a committee finding some of their spectators made racist remarks during a trial match last month.

It’s understood that while the comments are believed to have been made by fans on the hill at Woollahra Oval, the club could not be found liable of an offence under Rugby Australia’s code of conduct.

Instead, the club has been ordered to educate players and have greater supervision of their fans.

“We are very happy that the club was cleared of a breach of the code of conduct. We take our obligations under the code extremely seriously,” Easts president David Allen said.

“We have the highest respect for the great club that is West Harbour, a club founded in 1900, the same year as Easts.

“We performed a thorough investigation including 15 interviews, examination of all game footage, and referees reports and could not find any corroborating evidence.

“Nevertheless, we have listened to what West Harbour have said and have strengthened and will continue to strengthen our processes to ensure that every person has a great experience when they come down to Woollahra Oval.”

A statement released on Thursday said: “Sydney Rugby Union held a code of conduct committee hearing regarding the breach notice served to Eastern Suburbs DRUFC.

“The committee found there was no breach under the Rugby Australia Code of Conduct against the club.

“However, there was an acknowledgment that although no breach was proven, or sanction imposed, the committee will record that the alleged behaviour occurred and that Eastern Suburbs DRUFC are required to undertake further measure, including education of players and supervision of spectators.

“Sydney Rugby Union maintains a zero-tolerance towards any anti-social behaviour.”

Three West Harbour players submitted statements to the SRU describing a number of offensive comments made towards them by Easts fans.

West Harbour has been contacted for comment.