York City Knights coach Ratcliffe banned over race row

York City Knights coach James Ratcliffe has been banned for bringing the game into disrepute after he racially abused a member of the public.

A Rugby Football League tribunal banned him for six months, with four months suspended, after he admitted the disrepute charge.

An RFL statement said the incident happened after a game between York College and Heckmondwike Grammar.

He was there in his role as service area co-ordinator for north Yorkshire.

Ratcliffe has now resigned from that post, but released a statement explaining his decision to leave.

"By resigning from my full time employment as north Yorkshire service area co-ordinator I was hoping to avoid any further embarrassment to the club.

I would also ask that I am allowed to serve this ban in private and I look forward to returning to the game

York City Knights coach James Ratcliffe

"Whilst I have no excuses for my actions in this matter I was hoping after four months and taking the above actions into account I would be able to put the whole sorry incident behind me.

"I would also ask that I am allowed to serve this ban in private and I look forward to returning to the game, which I have been involved in for over 25 years, for our fixture with Doncaster in March."

Knights player-assistant coach Chris Thorman will take temporary charge during Ratcliffe's ban which is due to run until 25 March.

A statement issued by the RFL said: "Ratcliffe was found guilty of breaching the RFL's Equity statement, Respect Policy and Coaches' Code of Conduct following an incident on October 7, 2009 after a match between York College and Heckmondwike Grammar when he racially abused a member of the public.

"After pleading guilty to the offence prior to the hearing, Ratcliffe tendered his resignation from his position as service area co-ordinator for North Yorkshire.

"Two months of the suspension have been imposed with immediate effect with the remaining four suspended on a condition that Ratcliffe attends two equality and diversity education courses and does not re-offend in the next 12 months."

Neither Ratcliffe, the RFL or York City Knights will be making any further comment.