Scottish Rugby has handed a 12-month ban to Alloa RFC president Alan Stewart after an independent disciplinary panel upheld a misconduct complaint relating to comments made in an after-dinner speech.
The sanction follows an investigation into remarks made by Stewart during a speech at Musselburgh RFC’s annual dinner on April 18, which prompted multiple complaints and fallout within the club.
In its findings, Scottish Rugby confirmed Stewart is “banned from attending matches or any match venue in Scotland for 12 months” and has also been “suspended from holding any role within the club game for a period of 12 months”.
He has additionally been directed to complete Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training. The governing body stated: “The misconduct complaint has been upheld on Mr Stewart.”
However, charges brought against Musselburgh RFC and its president were not upheld. Stewart retains the right to appeal the decision.
The disciplinary outcome follows widespread criticism of the speech, which was delivered in front of more than 100 attendees at Musselburgh’s Stoneyhill venue.
During a 30-minute address, Stewart reportedly told a series of jokes relating to gender, race and sexuality, culminating in a remark described by attendees as “a joke about rape”.
The content was labelled “racist, homophobic and sexist” by some present, with several women said to have been left “in tears”. The captain of Musselburgh’s women’s team was among those who walked out.
The incident led to emergency meetings within the club and formal complaints being submitted to Scottish Rugby.
Musselburgh Women head coach James Ferguson, who stepped down in the aftermath, described the speech as “atrocious”.
“It’s just not something that you joke about,” he said.
Ferguson confirmed he resigned in support of affected players, adding: “I will support the team. I formed friendships from coaching, and I want them to do well. I just can’t affiliate myself with the club.”
He also described the situation as “completely unacceptable” and said it “shouldn’t have been allowed to happen”.
In the days following the event, an apology was issued on Stewart’s behalf acknowledging his “very poor judgement” and the offence caused.
Musselburgh RFC also issued a public apology, stating the club “particularly wish to recognise and acknowledge the hurt caused to our women’s team”.
The club added: “We recognise the importance of calling out poor behaviours and in no way condone or approve of the subject matters that caused offence.”
It confirmed it had been in “extensive dialogue” with its women’s squad and remains “wholeheartedly committed” to developing the women’s game despite the incident.
Scottish Rugby has published full details of the sanctions on its website.
