Rugby League club speak out as women's player sent off for comment to male referee

York Rugby League Football Club have released a statement after one of their women's players was sent off for an x-rated comment made to a match referee.

On Saturday, St Helens claimed an 18-8 victory against York Valkyrie at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

Just seconds before the full-time whistle, one women’s Super League star playing for York was shown a red card after allegedly making a shocking comment to referee Oliver Salmon about a penalty decision.

In a clip that has since gone viral online, Salmon calls York hooker Sinead Peach over to repeat what he had heard her say before sending her off with a straight red card.

And now, York Rugby League Football Club chairman Clint Goodchild has released an official statement online reacting to the shocking moment.

Late in the match, the referee stopped St Helens from taking a conversion kick to speak Peach, where he was heard claiming that she had had asked him: ‘Which one are you s****ing?’ after a decision had gone against her team.

The 27-year-old was then shown a red card and is now subject to an investigation from the Rugby Football League, prompting a statement from her club's chairman.

Writing on the club website, Goodchild stated: "On behalf of York RLFC, I wish to address the matter concerning Sinead Peach.

"Sinead expressed genuine remorse immediately for the comment and understands the serious nature of the situation. We will continue to support Sinead while she and the team prepare for the approaching playoffs.

"As a Club, we have confidence the RFL tribunal process will take into account Sinead’s longstanding positive contribution to the game and her respectful reputation will be recognised. We are committed to the values of respect and integrity that underpin our sport."

In the viral clip showing the shocking moment, referee Salmon can be heard telling Peach: "I’m not having you saying: “Which one are you s****ing?” You’re off."

Commentators immediately gasped after hearing what Peach had allegedly said, while fans in attendance started to jeer as the York captain as she left the pitch.

The result saw the St Helens move one point clear of Wigan at the top of the Women’s Super League table with just two matches of the season left to play.