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 Adam Tracey cleared of racial vilification 

Adam Tracey cleared of racial vilification

04 Jul, 2009 05:00 AM
Group Seven Rugby League has thrown out racial vilification allegations levelled at Shoalhaven Jets forward Adam Tracey.

The Group Seven vilification committee met on Thursday night to hear the matter, with CRL regional manager and vilification committee spokesman Kevin Felgate revealing there was "insufficient evidence to proceed with any charges".

"The case was dismissed. Adam Tracey was found that he did not have a case to answer," Felgate said.

The racial abuse accusations emerged from a game between Shoalhaven and the Bay and Basin Sharks on June 14 at Nowra Showground.

A fight erupted between Tracey and Sharks forward Kieran Stewart, which Stewart later said was caused by his reaction to an alleged comment made by Tracey.

Tracey always said he had not made a racially motivated remark and was strongly supported by his team-mates, including captain-coach Geoff Johnson.

Stewart decided against appearing at Thursday night's hearing and the committee soon cleared Tracey of all allegations.

"It was disappointing from a committee point of view that Kieran Stewart did not attend," Felgate said.

"We'd had correspondence from the previous week that he did not want to proceed, but the complaint was fairly damaging and the case could not be withdrawn.

"At the end of the day each club provided two witnesses, we had witness statements provided by Adam Tracey and the match officials didn't hear any remarks when the incident occurred. The case was dismissed."

Felgate said he had made contact with the ARL about the possibility of an educational visit to the region by ARL Indigenous Programs manager Ricky Walford.

"We need to work on our educational programs and people listen to a person like Ricky Walford," Felgate said.

"With all his achievements in rugby league, it'd be fantastic if the ARL could make him available to come down here and help that education process."

Tracey is expected to line up with the Jets in today's away game against Berry-Shoalhaven Heads.

In today's other game, Kiama will be hoping to spring an upset against Albion Park-Oak Flats at Kiama Showground.

In tomorrow's matches, fourth-placed Jamberoo take on title-holders Milton-Ulladulla in the match of the round at Kevin Walsh Oval. Gerringong will have to be at their absolute best in their road meeting with Warilla, and the Sharks host Batemans Bay.

The Sharks will be eager to bounce back from last week's 80-6 thrashing from Warilla.

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There is no place for racial taunts in the game but Stewart should be questioned as to why he made the allegations and did not appear to give evidence. Was he told not to proceed or was his charge a spur of the moment excuse for being involved in a punch up? It is not enough to dismiss the case, further investigation into the incident ought to be conducted.
Posted by Sir Humphrey, 4/07/2009 9:46:44 AM

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