RFL to probe Clarke incident

OLDHAM coach Tony Benson was furious that the incident which left Chris Clarke needing seven stitches was not noticed by the match-day officials.

THE RUGBY Football League are to look into the incident which left Oldham forward Chris Clarke needing seven stitches in a mouth wound at Doncaster.

Taking the ball into a tackle late on in the second half, Clarke appeared to be struck in the face and sustained a large gash in his bottom lip which required seven stitches.

One of the two Doncaster players involved in stopping the player in his tracks immediately signalled for medical assistance and the game was halted as the 19-year-old made his way gingerly off the field.

Clarke had earlier notched his second try for the club in his eighth appearance in a 46-26 triumph at the Keepmoat Stadium which maintained the club’s immaculate start to the Co-operative Championship One season.

After the game, Roughyeds coach Tony Benson was furious that the incident was not picked up by the officials on the day. Referee Greg Dolan took no action and the touch judge nearest to the tackle did not react either.

But Oldham have taken a look at the match DVD and after requesting that the RFL’s match review panel investigate, a decision on what charge — if any — is levelled will be made today..

Meanwhile, round-the-clock work continues as the club bids to fulfil RFL criteria on their new Whitebank Stadium home.

York City Knights are set to be the first-ever visitors on Sunday in what should be an historic occasion, but that will only happen if a set of minimum standards set down by the governing body are adhered to.

Essential administrative matters over ground safety were being attended to today.

But club officials remain confident that the game will get the go-ahead as planned.

Standing tickets are now available for the Roughyeds’ big day and can be picked up at the club offices on Lansdowne Road, Chadderton (0161 6283677). They will stay on sale until 5pm tomorrow. Tickets are priced at £10 adults, £8 concessions and £3 under-16s.

Oldham hope supporters will buy tickets up front so they can be sure of getting in and help to avoid congestion at the turnstiles.