There are Fryston individuals who need to be interviewed by the authorities after the ghastly gang assault on Emerson Whittel.

Were you there? I'd like to know what actually happened, heard somewhere "fans" got involved?

Agreed CHC. Fryston have 'history' and both the RFL and police need to be involved. Although I was not there, the 'biting incident' and the 10-man attack on Whittel need to be thoroughly investigated.

Here's a video of it for those who haven't seen. Hope for a speedy recovery as I've been impressed by Emmerson's performances so far https://twitter.com/chloejadeakers1/sta ... 75937?s=09 Note Andy Gabriel being taken down for no reason in the background

Here's a video of it for those who haven't seen. Hope for a speedy recovery as I've been impressed by Emmerson's performances so far https://twitter.com/chloejadeakers1/sta ... 75937?s=09 Note Andy Gabriel being taken down for no reason in the background

I'd be disappointed if Tiger Handforth wanted to stay associated with what happened yesterday. Hope he announces he's never playing for Fryston again and finds a different club to help.

This is an utter disgrace. I would be highly disappointed if Tiger continued to associate with these cowardly scum.

Statement just gone up on the club website. Apparently the players and staff were made to buy tickets before they were let into the ground keighleycougars.com/club-stateme ... -warriors/

Statement just gone up on the club website. Apparently the players and staff were made to buy tickets before they were let into the ground keighleycougars.com/club-stateme ... -warriors/

I asked Al Dickinson (Harry Al Hill on here) what happened because I wasn't there either. He sent me a reply which he said I could share here - he's been having difficulty logging in of late. So here's what Al witnessed:
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'Dixon and their number 2 had a slight altercation, I believe their number 2 threw the first punch, Emmerson went to break them up (no punches, just holding number 2's top and pushing him back), four of their players came over and grabbed Emmerson, at this point all hell broke loose elsewhere, this is then the video you see on Facebook, what happens next is that the four players pick Emmerson up and move him over the sideline, Emmerson is on his back 'turtled' in the air at this point with one man hold of each limb. At the sideline while holding each limb they all set about him with their free arms bombarding him with punch after punch to the head. I was not ten feet from this, I wish to **** I'd have got my phone out , it was actually very sickening to see, I was stood at the front railings of the stand and most of their 'fans' were with me, egging the lads on to batter him, it was actually quite a frightening position to be in myself if I'm honest and I was trying to watch out for Angela and Estelle too. I hope to god that the RFL step up here, the players involved should have their licences taken from them and never be allowed to 'play' again'.
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Sounds horrendous.

Might not be much but was watching on the POR Terrace side of the ground just prior to the incident and I was stood with Dave and Margret Proctor , who have both been involved in the Amateur Game behind the scenes for years .It was noted from where we were stood byus all then just how many folk Fryston appeared to have in the dug out , as Margaret commented there were far more than than they would have been allowed with Silsden in the lower reaches of the Pennine league , never mind the Challenge Cup on a Professional Ground .

The assault on Emmerson happened almost directly in front of this dug out and from where we were stood individuals from there looked to get involved , be interesting if the RFL look at this as well , as that would be a failing from the match officials and match commissioner, if correct .

Happens quite a lot at amateur level that the sideline subs and 'fans' etc all mix in. Ive witnessed quite a few times people running in from the touch line and landing a few punches during a brawl. Silsden vs Grimethorpe being a memorable one getting my hands stamped on by some young lad with a dog at the side! I think part of the problem is there isnt really a dug out at most grounds. Especially the park at silsden, also often theres no linesman in the pennine league so it turns into a free for all.

Fryston no doubt carry on this way regularly, as do a lot of Pennine league sides. However when it comes to the challenge cup they cant do it. They will definitely get punished for this, then we can all move on. My fear is the RFL hold us partially to blame. A bigger concern is their clear liking for thuggery, which will drip down to the youth teams etc. This ridiculous 'were harder than you' attitude, that number 11 who has actually admitted kneeing him in the face has displayed a dont care attitude on Facebook and has drummed up quite a bit of support online with Whittels girlfriend being subject to some genuine trolling.

We live in a world of trolls etc, thats why fans need to start using this forum more. Facebook tends to attract one liners and its impossible to read these days. If we lose its just the usual tirade of 'fawcett m8 time u resigned not gud enuf'

Good points well made, couldnt agree more

The word is Rangi Chase was involved in a fight and has come out worst being savagely beaten up, he is currently suspended by Cas. Unfortunately the rumour is that the lead protagonist is associated with an amateur rugby league club in that area, i will leave you to guess which club that may be.