Scottish rugby bans Allover president for one year for ‘racist, homophobic and sexist’ speech

Scottish Rugby has imposed a 12-month ban on Alloa RFC president Alan Stewart for attending matches following his after-dinner speech. “Racist, homophobic and sexist” by some present.

Stewart has also been suspended from playing any part in the game for the same period.

A series of objections were made after Stewart’s comments during Musselburgh RFC’s annual dinner on April 18 and an independent disciplinary panel upheld a misconduct charge.

Stewart, who can appeal the decision, has been ordered to undergo equality, diversity and inclusion training.

Charges against Musselburgh RFC and their president were not upheld.

In April, Musselburgh RFC’s board issued an apology to those who attended, saying: “We want to acknowledge and acknowledge the hurt we have caused in particular to our women’s team, of whom we are extremely proud and to whom we are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment.”

The club criticized the speaker’s “extremely poor judgement” and said he had issued a written apology.

In a statement issued at the same time, Scottish Rugby said it was “committed to equality, diversity and inclusion at every level of the game”, adding: “Discrimination has no place in our sport or in wider society.”

BBC Scotland has contacted Stewart and Alloa RFC for comment.