Statement: Gloucester Rugby Address Controversy from Latest Premiership Clash
01/08/2025 08:26 AM
Gloucester Rugby has issued an official statement addressing the recent social media uproar concerning the appearance of Kirill Gotovtsev's national flag on his home shirt during last Saturday's Premiership fixture against Sale Sharks.
Join the RUCK's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Commitment to World Rugby Sanctions
The club reaffirmed its adherence to World Rugby's 2022 sanctions regarding the conflict in Ukraine. Gotovtsev, a capped international for Russia, has fully complied with World Rugby and UK's Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) requirements since the implementation of these sanctions.
Internal Review Leads to Policy Adjustment
Following further internal discussions and with Gotovtsev's consent, Gloucester Rugby has decided to uphold its long-standing tradition of recognising capped players on Premiership jerseys. However, Gotovtsev's national flag will no longer appear on his shirt. The club acknowledged the sensitivities surrounding the flag and extended its apologies for any offence caused. "We understand the connotations of the flag in question and apologise for any offence this may have caused," the statement read.
Zero Tolerance for Racism
The statement also expressed Gloucester Rugby's unequivocal stance against racism. "Any individual expressing racist views will not be welcome at Kingsholm," the club emphasised, sending a strong message to its community.
Flag Removal Across European Fixtures
To maintain consistency, the club confirmed that national flags will not feature on Gloucester Rugby's shirts for any European games this season, including the upcoming weekend fixture. "For the avoidance of doubt, in line with all European games this season, the flags will not appear on the shirts this weekend," Gloucester Rugby clarified.
Final Remarks
Concluding the statement, Gloucester Rugby reiterated that it would make no further comment on the matter. "Gloucester Rugby will make no further comment," the statement concluded.
This decision highlights the club's commitment to inclusivity, while balancing the complexities of honouring its players' achievements and respecting wider social concerns. Fans will be eager to see how this move fosters a sense of unity within the Gloucester Rugby community as the Premiership season progresses.
EDITORS PICKS:
- Fans Are Rewatching BBC's Infamous Banned Six Nations TV Advert
- Scotland want to call-up England-qualified fly-half for the 2025 Six Nations
- Dan Carter names his top three favourite rugby stadiums
- Former winger Chris Ashton could join England coaching staff
- Statement: Wales international hands up his boots following injury nightmare
Can you name the 2017 Lions squad:
The 2017 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand was unforgettable, packed with drama, passion, and unforgettable moments. From thrilling tries to hard-fought battles against the All Blacks, this squad etched their names in rugby history by securing a memorable drawn series.
Think you know everything about this iconic group of players? Test your knowledge with our quiz and see if you’re a true Lions fan! Whether you’re a casual supporter or a rugby fanatic, it’s time to roar with pride and prove your Lions IQ.
Get ready to dive into questions about the players, their clubs, and the unforgettable tour moments. Let's kick off!
The post Statement: Gloucester Rugby Address Controversy from Latest Premiership Clash appeared first on Ruck.
