Apology Issued Following Controversial Remarks at Rugby Dinner
A rugby club has issued an apology following allegations that a speaker at a dinner event made a joke about rape.
The comments, reportedly made by Alloa Rugby Club president Alan Stewart during a speech at Musselburgh RFC, allegedly included "racist, homophobic and sexist" content.
The Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) stated it is investigating the "wholly unacceptable" remarks, while Musselburgh RFC expressed that the incident had "dented the progress" achieved in advancing women's rugby at the club.
A spokesperson for Alloa Rugby Club clarified that "the individual referenced attended the event in a personal capacity" but emphasized that the club takes any "distress or offence caused by the actions or words of a club member very seriously."
The Alloa statement added that it "would not be appropriate to comment in detail" while both "the club and the Scottish Rugby Union are reviewing the matter."
"However, we recognise that there are differing accounts of what was said and the context in which it was said, and both reviews will seek to establish the facts carefully and fairly,"the statement said.
BBC Scotland has reached out to Alan Stewart for comment.
'Poor Judgement' and Reactions
The East Lothian Courier reported that several women were moved to tears by the alleged comments, and the captain of the women's rugby team left the room in response.
Following the event, James Ferguson, head coach of Musselburgh's women's team, resigned over the "atrocious" remarks, despite not attending the dinner himself.
The board of Musselburgh RFC issued an apology to those affected by the events at the recent club dinner.
"We particularly wish to recognise and acknowledge the hurt caused to our women's team, who we are extremely proud of and to whom we are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment,"the statement said.
The club apologized for the "very poor judgement of the speaker" and noted that he had sent a written apology.
"We recognise the importance of calling out poor behaviours and in no way condone or approve of the subject matters that caused offence,"the statement added.
Musselburgh RFC indicated it has been in "extensive dialogue with our women's team since Saturday and are working closely with them to agree a positive way forward for the team and for the club."
The club also announced it would make a donation to a charity as a "gesture of support."
"We are extremely disappointed and sorry that this incident has dented the progress that we have made in developing women's rugby at the club.
It is an initiative we have strongly supported over the last few years and remain wholeheartedly committed to for the future.
We sincerely hope and expect that we can move forward from this stronger."
Scottish Rugby Union Response
The SRU condemned the comments alleged to have been made during the speech, stating they do not reflect "the values of our game."
"We are grateful to those who brought this matter to our attention.
Scottish Rugby is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion at every level of the game. There is no place for discriminatory behaviour in our sport, or in wider society.
We are currently progressing the matter through our regulatory department."
