Bulls fail to overturn points deduction

Bradford Bulls' Matt Diskin holds his head as his team are beatenby Warrington.

An independent Sporting Sanctions Appeal Panel this evening upheld the penalty handed down by the RFL’s Board of Directors as a penalty for entering into administration earlier this year.

The decision jeopardises the four-times Super League club’s position in the top flight as they remain six points adrift of safety with 11 games to go.

A spokesman for Bradford’s directors said: “We are naturally disappointed with the panel’s decision in finding that we did not meet the necessary threshold to allow our appeal to be fully considered,” said “Prior to the appeal hearing, we had already taken initial legal advice on our options should the appeal fail.

“We will now pursue those options with a view to making a decision on how to take matters further forward in the belief that the decision made was wrong.

“Inevitably, there will be upset amongst our players, supporters and sponsors who have throughout been supportive – both on and off the field.

“As a club, we are doing all we can to repay the faith shown by our supporters. We are hopeful that ultimately our efforts will bring success.”

Bradford were docked the points on February 25 after going into administration for the second time in two years.

They opted to launch an appeal - unprecedented in such cases - after Marc Green took charge on April 14, the new owner saying administration had been “unforeseeable” and “unavoidable.”

An independent sporting sanctions appeals panel, incorporating Bill Broughton and Chris Booth who are partners in Leeds-based legal firm Pinsent Mason plus insolvency practitioner James Sleight, heard the case last Wednesday but asked for further evidence from Bradford.

They have since examined that, too, and finally delivered their verdict today which naturally delighted Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, who sit just above them in 12th spot.

Bradford’s crucial trip to fellow strugglers Salford Red Devils on Sunday is suddenly now all the more important.

RFL Chief Operating Officer Ralph Rimmer said: “The RFL accepts the decision of the Sporting Sanctions Appeals Panel and would like to place on record its thanks to the panel members for their professional and thorough approach

“The unique nature of this panel, and the forensic nature of the investigations that have taken place, have made for a very complicated process which is now at a conclusion

“The time has now come to move on and put this chapter in the history of Bradford Bulls behind the sport

“Bradford Bulls chairman Marc Green and his fellow directors have acted in a proper and dignified manner throughout this process and their continuing commitment will ensure the club’s future success.”

The independent Sporting Sanctions Appeals Panel will hand down a full written judgement within the next 14 days.