The game was played on 3rd of July. On 4th July the Daily Mirror reporter from Kandy wrote that the shot was fired, quote: “…even a shot was fired in the air to frighten the crowd.” Then a Sunday paper carried this, “A firearm on the rugby field: What’s next?” Another paper said, “A shameful first by the Sri Lanka RFU Disciplinary Committee” followed by further media report – “Upshot of Gunshot: clubs sign MOU”.
I was told that this player should be suspended for life or for at least five years. My question: Is this player guilty?” I place before readers the facts and ask: “You be the judge”: As per IRB Rule Book which all rugby clubs should have, is the playing area which is between the goal line and touch line and the in-goal area (Law 1 defines the ground). The playing area is the field of play.
 I now quote an extract from the letter sent to the SLRFU by the President of Kandy Sports Club: Quote – “…we demand immediate and appropriate action with regard to the matter of an Air Force player (No.14) discharging a firearm, more than once, on the field, during the game on July 2rd 2011.” – unquote.
This cartoon was placed in an article, which I quote regarding this game:- “The news of a player releasing a firearm from within the playing enclosure was most disturbing.” This writer adds, “To my naïve mind what was an armed individual doing on the field?”
THIS IS THE TRUTH based on facts: The player in question (No.14) NEVER got on to the field with a firearm. If he carried a firearm on to the field or if he had discharged a firearm on the field, this would have been stated in the Referees Report and the Match Commissioner’s Report on the game. NOTHING WHATSOEVER was mentioned in their Reports, copies of which are with me. In addition, the Referee would have definitely handed him a RED CARD.
WELL, WHO FIRED THE GUN AND WHERE? Watching the video (in slow motion) sent by Kandy Sports Club these facts emerge:
1. This incident occurred outside the field of play with players moving around as there was a stoppage in play as seen in the video. (Not on the field as stated by Kandy SC)
2. The Air Force security person fired the shot in the air. (only 01 shot was fired. But Kandy SC stated it was more than once)
3. Player No.14 had made a statement that he rushed toward the Air Force security person with the intention of taking the gun from him as he saw him holding his gun up.. He was successful in taking the weapon without any complications. We were told by the Air Force Representative that No.14 player was a trained combatant The other players nearby were not trained in weapon handling. The video also clearly shows that the shot was fired in the air BEFORE PLAYER NO.14 REACHED HIM.
4. This security personnel of the Air Force has also made a statement confirming that it was he who fired one shot into the air and not the Air Force rugby player.
5. From the foregoing, Dear Reader, you be the Judge. However, The Disciplinary Committee of the SLRFU decided that since Kandy Sports Club had also lodged an Entry with the Katugastota Police, they will await their findings. If the player in question be found guilty of any offence, then this Committee will reconvene to consider what course of action should be taken.
Bryan Baptist,
Chairman, Disciplinary
Committee,
Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union. |
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