York City Knights have vowed to ban for life any individual who shouted racial abuse at the game against Gateshead.

The Rugby Football League have confirmed they have received details from the Tyneside club regarding an alleged incident during the Huntington Stadium match on July 24, which have been referred to the RFL's disciplinary commissioner.

The Evening Press believes the matter concerns an isolated incident regarding one person, or very small number of people, heckling a Gateshead player following a second-half Thunder try.

An official complaint has not been lodged by Gateshead but Knights chairman Roger Dixon said: "A complaint has been made and we are investigating it as a matter of urgency.

"We repeat - as we produce in each match-day magazine - that the Knights will not tolerate racist or abusive language or behaviour. It has no place in our sport or in society.

"If we are able to identify anyone responsible then that person will be banned for life from any of our games. If there is anybody who can shed any light on the matter I would be grateful if they could get in touch."

The Knights state in each match-day programme that they support the 'Let's Tackle Racism in Rugby League' campaign and regularly announce over the Tannoy that such abuse is not tolerated.

Dixon added: "When the complaint was made, it was made in the context of this incident not being representative of our 'splendid fans'.

"I and everyone at the club take this incident most seriously. It is not representative of York City Knights and what the club stands for. It will not be tolerated."

Gateshead coach Dean Thomas, a black former York player who still lives in the city, said it was important to uphold rugby league's anti-racism stance and added that whoever was responsible should not be allowed to tarnish the Knights' name.

He told the Evening Press: "I personally was not aware of any racist comments and I have nothing but admiration for the support our players got from the fans at the end of the game. The York fans did appreciate us and clapped us.

"I think it might have been one or two individuals. A small minority of one or two should not tarnish the reputation of a club that is pushing forward and has done a lot to tackle racism in general."

He added: "I came to rugby league from a rugby union and football background and I found rugby league fans to be the most tolerant and welcoming people I had ever worked with, with regards to black and ethnic minority players.

"That's why I enjoyed coming to rugby league and a lot of black and ethnic minority guys play rugby league free from racism.

"There may be one or two supporters coming across from other sports with this attitude and, while it may be good for attendances, we need to educate people that this kind of behaviour is not tolerated and is totally unacceptable."

Thomas added that he had received complaints regarding comments made by his players to ball boys at Huntington Stadium, and these had been dealt with.

Updated: 10:35 Wednesday, August 03, 2005