Cockayne fined but escapes police action over Facebook comments

27-year-old Cockayne was the subject of a police investigation relating to alleged racist comments made on Facebook about a taxi driver but the Crown Prosecution Service have concluded that no action is required.

Following this outcome, the club say they carried out their own investigation and have reprimanded the player.

Hull KR chief executive Mike Smith said: “Ben has been fined the maximum amount possible under club and RFL rules and received a final written warning with regards to his future conduct.

“Ben is also required to attend a diversity awareness course and will spend 10 hours a week within the club’s education and sport trust working in the local community.

“The club subscribes to the diversity and equality policy set down by the RFL and is mindful of its responsibilities as an employer and also as a community club.

“We believe the punishment handed out to Ben reflects how seriously we take these responsibilities.”

In a statement, Cockayne said: “I am sorry and deeply regretful for any offence I have caused with what has happened.

“I have let the club, the fans and my family down. I hope people will understand this was a lapse in judgement and that once again, I am unreserved in my apologies for any offence this has caused.

“I am not a racist person and have many friends of different ethnic origins. They would concur that I am not a racist individual and I hope people that don’t know me can appreciate that.”

Smith said the club now consider the matter closed but will review their social media policies.

The incident will cast doubt over the future of Cockayne, who is out of contract at Hull KR at the end of the season.

In 2009, he narrowly escaped a jail sentence for taking part in an assault in which he punched and kicked a man.

On that occasion, Rovers suspended him for two months but stood by him and allowed him to return to play.