Players found guilty (From Warrington Guardian)

Players found guilty

Saints' internationals Sean Long and Martin Gleeson have been found guilty of misconduct at a Rugby Football League hearing in Leeds after admitting gambling £1,000 on an under-strength Saints to lose by more than eight points to the champions on Easter Monday.

Both players collected around £900 after Bradford won 54-8 against a St Helens side lacking 11 regulars.

Gleeson has been banned for four months and Long three months. Both were also fined £7,500 and ordered to pay £2,205 in costs.

The suspensions begin with immediate effect. The players left without comment four hours after the hearing began and have 15 days in which to lodge an appeal.

St Helens RLFC has announced that their own investigation of the Sean Long/Martin Gleeson betting case has been concluded.

The Club has arrived at the same conclusion as the RFL and found the pair guilty of misconduct.

Club Chairman, Eamonn McManus, stated "Their individual actions were unacceptable and foolhardy and have brought embarrassment to the Club and to the game and the fine and ban imposed by the RFL is accepted by all concerned. Even though there was clearly no intention to influence the outcome of the game in question, their actions were idiotic."

"They are fully aware of the damage which they have done to the Club and the game and are genuinely sorry. They do accept that, in addition to the fines and the bans, they should not be paid their salaries by the Club during their suspensions as there is no reason why the Club should suffer further from their personal and individual misconduct.

"That said, once the suspension is over, the Club will be wholly supportive of the two in their attempts to re-establish themselves as the great and committed players which they undoubtedly are. They have learned a lesson, are genuinely sorry, and have paid a very heavy price."

Sean Long and Martin Gleeson made a joint statement saying: "We are very, very sorry for the damage which we have caused the Club, the game and to the supporters from all Clubs, particularly our own. We did not fully understand just how wrong and stupid our actions were. Now we do and will accept our punishment. We have always been totally committed on the pitch and the only way we can make this up to the fans is by being ever more committed when we return."

A statement released by the RFL read: "The decision of the Advisory Panel in respect of Martin Gleeson and Sean Long reinforces the operational rules of Rugby League and the fact that betting of this nature will not be tolerated by the sport.

"The Rugby Football League (RFL) believes that a full and thorough investigation was conducted into the case which considered all the relevant evidence and that the matter has been dealt with in a comprehensive, professional and efficient manner.

"At the time the allegations were made, full resources were made available and two extra personnel were employed to work as members of the investigation team.

"This team - which contained a great deal of expertise in the area of investigations - advised the setting up of the telephone hotline and this indeed proved to be a useful and helpful tool to the investigation.

"There were a number of rumours circulating in the aftermath of the specific allegations. This investigation has shown that these were not true or unproven. Indeed, the investigation only uncovered evidence of betting of this nature by these two players.

"The RFL has no evidence that betting which contravenes the rules of the sport is a widespread problem.

"The RFL will now consider what lessons there are to be learned from the matter. However, the RFL also believes it is important to keep, what is an isolated incident, in context.

"The sport of Rugby League is in good health and will continue to go from strength to strength."