BY JOHN DAVIDSON
Exclusive: Warrington Wolves Women’s team coach Ged Ginty has been temporarily suspended by the RFL after being involved in a slanging match on social media with Wigan Warriors player Grace Banks.
An RFL spokesperson told rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads that McGinty had been temporarily suspended pending a safeguarding investigation.
It is believed Ginty has been stood down by the governing body after a Facebook argument with Banks earlier this week relating to an incident in a match.
In posts seen by this platform, Ginty wrote on Facebook: “So proud of my amazing daughter Olivia. Played amazing for Warrington Wolves academy, the way she conducts herself with integrity, skill and professionalism is amazing. Even when a player wants to punch her several times when she’s on the floor, to get up and be the bigger person shows what type of individual she is. Olivia, you have a bright future ahead in super league, I love you loads.”
As a comment, Banks responded with: “I think Olivia is an amazing player. But sly diggs about CHILDREN on Facebook is not needed, especially from a WSL coach. We are trying to grow the women’s game and when a WSL coach is making comments about academy players on Facebook it does not look good for the game.”
Ginty replied to Banks: “This is me as a father who saw my daughter punched in the head. Not me as a coach. My daughter will always come first over coaching.”
The argument continued on Facebook with many more heated comments.
Olivia Ginty is a player in Warrington’s Women’s set-up. Ged Ginty was appointed as head coach by Warrington in December last year, while Banks is one of the stars of Wigan’s team.
Both Wigan and Warrington have been approached for comment.
Warrington CEO Karl Fitzpatrick told rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads: “We will work with the RFL on this investigation.”
Ginty has also been approached for comment.
The Wolves are currently last on the Women’s Super League table with eight losses from eight games. They are conceding on average 61.75 points per game this season.
Today it was announced that Warrington’s womens match against St Helens this weekend had been cancelled.
“Warrington Wolves have informed the RFL that they will forfeit the Betfred Women’s Super League fixture against St Helens that was scheduled for Sunday,” the RFL statement reads.
“The match will not be rearranged, given the stage of the season, and will be awarded to St Helens with a 48-0 scoreline.
“The RFL Board will consider whether to take further action against Warrington.”