By Ben Dirs

Hanley defends Millward sacking

Ian Millward's sacking at the hands of St Helens has opened up a thorny ethical debate regarding acceptable workplace behaviour.

Namely, are professional sportspeople and coaches above the laws that govern other work environments?

The Super League giants certainly don't think so, and neither does Millward's predecessor at Saints, Great Britain legend Ellery Hanley.

Saints claim the Australian firebrand verbally abused a club employee, who subsequently tendered his resignation.

They also claim he swore at Warrington's press officer and gave the fourth official a volley during the league game between St Helens and Bradford on Easter Monday.

Behaviour, Hanley believes, which is as unacceptable in professional rugby league as it is in any other walk of life.

"If the allegations are true, I don't think it is right for anyone to talk to anybody else in such a manner," Hanley told BBC Sport.

"There can't be any divider between rules for one person and another. I'm sure Ian Millward has enough of a vocabulary to refrain from using such words.

A code of conduct has to apply to people who are in the eye of the public and it has to be upheld Former Saints coach Ellery Hanley

"Regardless of who you are and how successful you are, you have to treat everybody in a fashion that's fair and good mannered.

"Coaches have to abide by particular rules, not step over the mark, not get too large for the club and not be too outspoken.

"It's a delicate job and you've got to manage yourself well.

"You can relate it to the soccer boys - you can't have players abusing officials. Something has to be done about it.

"A code of conduct has to apply to people who are in the eye of the public and it has to be upheld."

Charles Cotton, a human resources expert with the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development, believes Saints' action could have big implications on the way coaches behave in future.

"If the allegations are true, the sacking sends a message to others that in today's environment, this kind of behaviour is no longer acceptable," said Cotton.

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"It will be interesting to see how other clubs react.

"Many business organisations are learning from the sporting environment the importance of teams and inclusiveness and sports are learning important lessons from business.

"And today's businesses are not going to be run on bullying. One of the people Millward has allegedly been criticising is a member of support staff and they're an important part of any organisation.

"It's no good having a brilliant team if the people who are supporting that team are being de-motivated and don't feel they're receiving the support they should be."

Hanley's comments will no doubt surprise some, especially those St Helens fans who feel five trophies in as many years should have rendered Millward untouchable.