An RFL Tribunal has suspended York City Knights coach James Ratcliffe from Rugby League for six months after he admitted bringing the game into disrepute.

Ratcliffe was found guilty of breaching the RFL’s Equity statement, Respect Policy and Coaches’ Code of Conduct following an incident on October 7, 2009 after a match between York College and Heckmondwike Grammar when he racially abused a member of the public.

After pleading guilty to the offence prior to the hearing, Ratcliffe tendered his resignation from his position as Service Area Co-ordinator for North Yorkshire.

Two months of the suspension have been imposed with immediate effect with the remaining four suspended on a condition that Ratcliffe attends two equality and diversity education courses and does not re-offend in the next 12 months.

York City Knights have placed Chris Thorman in temporary charge of first team duties until Ratcliffe’s suspension ends on March 25.

Workington Town are due to host the Knights in the Co-operative Championship One on March 14 less than a fortnight before Ratcliffe can return.

Neither the RFL nor York City Knights will be making any further comment.

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