Rugby: ALL supporters banned from balcony at the Gytes following abuse of referee
Last updated 5th Feb 2025
Peebles Rugby Club has announced the balcony at the Gytes will be closed to all spectators until after the start of next season.
It follows abuse of the match official in the defeat to near neighbours Biggar in November, when a supporter is alleged to have shouted: "Ref, you'll be lucky to leave here alive!"
The National League Division 1 side - which is set to welcome Dundee to the Scottish Borders this weekend - has been sanctioned after the incident was reported to the Scottish Rugby Disciplinary Panel.
A fine will be imposed unless it closes the viewing platform - also used by media and club officials - until the second 1st XV game of next season.
It must also host a workshop for everyone at the Gytes on the impact abuse can have on its victims, and appoint a match official liaison officer for all home games.
In a statement, the club says it's "horrified" by the incident and is encouraging all its members, coaches, players, spectators and volunteers to respect the sanctions and help eradicate all forms of abuse from the game.
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It reads: "Rugby is a sport with a long history of demonstrating respect for the referee and creating a friendly environment for all to enjoy the sport both on and off the field and, as a club, we have worked hard to provide this for our sport in Peebles and the surrounding areas.
"As an executive, we are horrified that one or two individuals who think that it is alright to abuse match officials have done so much damage to the ethos that we are trying to create for our sport, and indeed to our reputation as a friendly local club working hard within our community.
"We encourage all our members, coaches, players, spectators and volunteers to help us respect the sanctions imposed on us and to support the club executive in helping to eradicate all forms of abuse from our game by speaking up and challenging any form of abuse when they hear it or report it immediately to your executive members."
It adds: "We look forward to your support and hard work in helping us repair the damage to our reputation that this misconduct charge has brought."
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