BY JOHN DAVIDSON
Exclusive: York Valkyrie captain Sinead Peach has fully accepted her wrongdoing in questioning the integrity of a referee, but will wait another week to receive her ban after her tribunal was surprisingly adjourned.
Last night the RFL released a statement which read: “Sinead Peach’s tribunal, following a Grade E charge of Other Contrary Behaviour in the Women’s Super League fixture between St Helens and York Valkyrie on August 31, was adjourned until September 17 to allow further evidence to be presented.” No further explanation was given.
Peach was red-carded and charged after stating “Which one are you shagging?” towards the male referee in a Women’s Super League match against St Helens on August 30.
The former Women of Steel is expected to face a ban for the unusual incident, which went viral and has made headlines around the world.
Damian Irvine, Acquiesce Sports Integrity spokesperson, has been representing Peach.
Irvine told rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads: “Sinead Peach has been extremely cooperative and professional in her approach to the tribunal charge and has fully accepted wrongdoing in questioning the integrity of a match official.
“Sinead has never been charged, sanctioned or received a yellow card in her career prior to this. That said, process and a fair opportunity to debate the grading and accuracy of the charges and wording of what was said, how it was said, and to who, are very important.
“Matters were raised by the RFL during the hearing that had not been clearly defined for forecast prior, and in the interests of a fair hearing and outcome, it was correctly agreed to adjourn the matter so both sides could ensure all relevant evidence can be tabled and considered before an outcome is determined.”
It is believed the RFL wanted to charge Peach with aggravated language, while the hooker and her representatives aimed to argue the severity of the grading.
The York star’s case will be heard next week.
The RFL has been approached for comment.