By Cherrybomb
May 11 2002

Rob Andrew has finally admitted that he was wrong to start accusing Olivier Azam and the Kingsholm crowd of Racism without justifyable evidence. An apology of course wasn't made by himself, but in a statement. Better than nothing I guess... Many of us will have been looking forward to a Newcastle home game this season, and we may even feel a bit annoyed that it has come now that there is a possibility that we could play them in the playoffs. It is obvious that he did not himself feel that he should apologise, but an apology is an apology, so let's let that be it. We can still give them a bit of banter though can't we! Here is the statement which was made on behalf of Andrew.

"At the Press Conference following the Gloucester and Falcons fixture on December 29th 2001 and on various occasions between December 20 2001 and January 9 2002, Rob Andrew made certain remarks to the national English media to the effect that Olivier Azam of Gloucester had mad racial comments on two occasions to Epi Taione of Falcons during the game, and that sections of Gloucester supporters racially abused Falcons players and that one or more had been ejected from the ground.

Although these remarks were made in good faith based on statements made to Rob Andrew before the Press Conference, he now accepts that, for the following reasons, there was insufficient evidence to justify those remarks.

With regard to Gloucester supporters, Rob Andrew accepts that only one Gloucester supporter made comments of an inappropriate nature, and he understands that the supporter was not ejected from the ground.

"Gloucester Rugby Club regrets the fact that it proved necessary for a Gloucester season ticket holder to be spoken to for his inappropriate comments, and regrets the distress caused to Falcons players as a result of the comments made.

"With regard to Olivier Azam, Rob Andrew accepts that it was never the case that Olivier Azam was alleged by Epi Taione to have made more than one racist remark.

"Mr Andrew aplogises to Olivier Azam and to Gloucester supporters for any offence or distress caused to them by these comments."

Come on Glaws!!!!!