SCOTTISH RUGBY BANS ALLOA RFC PRESIDENT FOR AFTER-DINNER SPEECH

Scottish Rugby has imposed a 12-month ban on Alloa RFC president Alan Stewart following a speech he delivered at Musselburgh RFC's annual dinner on 18 April. The ban prevents Stewart from attending matches and from holding any role within the game for the duration of the suspension. An independent disciplinary panel upheld a misconduct complaint brought after multiple objections were raised by those present. Attendees described the speech as racist, homophobic, and sexist. Stewart retains the right to appeal the decision and has been instructed to complete equality, diversity and inclusion training.

Musselburgh RFC hosted the dinner at which Stewart spoke, but charges brought against the club and its own president were not upheld by the panel. In April, the Musselburgh RFC board issued a public apology to attendees, citing harm caused to its women's team in particular. The club condemned what it called the very poor judgement of the speaker and confirmed Stewart had submitted a written apology. Scottish Rugby stated it is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion at every level of the game and that there is no place for discriminatory behaviour in sport or wider society.

The ruling applies solely to Stewart and carries no formal sanctions for Musselburgh RFC as an organisation. Stewart is eligible to challenge the outcome through an appeals process. BBC Scotland has contacted both Stewart and Alloa RFC for comment, and no response had been received at the time of publication. The case drew attention to conduct standards at official club events within the Scottish Rugby structure.