ABUSIVE USE OF 'TWITTER'

Date: 10th September 2014

An umpire's report has been received regarding alleged homophobic comments made during a 2nd XI match between Skelmersdale and St Helens Town on 6 September.

The Umpires Report also included allegations that homophobic comments had been published on the Social Media Twitter Accounts of both clubs.

The L&DCC Disciplinary Committee asked both Skelmersdale CC and St Helens Town CC to investigate.

Skelmersdale CC have taken the following action:-

Steven Maddocks, Skelmersdale CC Cricket Manager.

For failing in his duties to control children under his charge with regards to the use of social media sites : 8 match ban commencing Friday 12 September 2014 with an additional 8 match ban suspended until the end of the 2015 cricket season.

Two schoolboy members of Skelmersdale CC involved in this matter have been disciplined by Skelmersdale CC to the satisfaction of the L&DCC Disciplinary Committee. The names of the two individuals have been noted for future reference.

The Skelmersdale CC Twitter Account has been closed.

St Helens Town CC

Confirmation by St Helens Town CC that no current member of the club was responsible for any comments posted on Twitter has been accepted by the L&DCC Disciplinary Committee.

Both clubs are commended for taking prompt and efficient action in relation to this matter.

All Club Players, Officials and members should be once again made aware that the irresponsible use of all Social Media sites is a disciplinary offence. This is the 4th occasion this season that Disciplinary Action has had to be taken in such matters.

Eric Hadfield

L&DCC Disciplinary Secretary