Post by schumi on Oct 13, 2008 21:39:13 GMT
From Newcastle's website:
Ben Powell has been axed from the Scunthorpe Scorpions squad, according to reports.
BBC News have shown footage of last night's incident in which Powell is clearly seen to watch for Newcastle's Kenni Larsen returning to the pits, and then aim his bike straight for the Dane.
Immediately following the report, which the BBC described as "potentially lethal", sports presenter Jeff Brown announced "Scunthorpe have taken the incident very seriously aswell - within the last hour they have announced that Ben Powell has been released by the club."
As yet, no statement has been released on Scunthorpe's official club website.
Newcastle Team Manager George English confirmed that the club will not be pushing for further action to be taken, but expressed his disgust at the actions of the former Newcastle rider.
"I didn't see the incident because I was on the telephone to the referee, but from what I have heard it was appalling," he said.
"That sort of behaviour has no place in this sport. It is hard enough for these lads riding full time, out there on track and picking up injuries, without having someone deliberately aiming things at them and trying to injure them."
"Kenni (Larsen) did pick up an injury to his leg, but he continued for the rest of the meeting and he did well for us."
"It did, however, bring a sour note to the night."
In a statement issued tonight on the British Speedway Forum, Scunthorpe Team Manager Kenny Smith said :
"There is no way that Rob or I condone the actions of Ben Powell last night. He came to us, after his problems at Newcastle, and to be honest has not given us a problem since the day we signed him.
"Last night's actions though were indefensable and we wish to totally disassociate ourselves from his actions. He was quite rightly fined £300 by the referee and as a result we will not be inviting him to our Open meeting. He has spoken to me this morning and wishes to apologise for his actions. Despite that we have released him, we wish to thank him for his efforts and wish him well for his future."
Scunthorpe co-promoter Rob Godfrey said, "Scunthorpe Speedway can not, and will not, condone Ben Powell’s actions.
"We had even considered making him an asset... but last night’s actions are indefensible and he will not be riding in our Hallowe’en Trophy at the end of the month."
Ben Powell has been axed from the Scunthorpe Scorpions squad, according to reports.
BBC News have shown footage of last night's incident in which Powell is clearly seen to watch for Newcastle's Kenni Larsen returning to the pits, and then aim his bike straight for the Dane.
Immediately following the report, which the BBC described as "potentially lethal", sports presenter Jeff Brown announced "Scunthorpe have taken the incident very seriously aswell - within the last hour they have announced that Ben Powell has been released by the club."
As yet, no statement has been released on Scunthorpe's official club website.
Newcastle Team Manager George English confirmed that the club will not be pushing for further action to be taken, but expressed his disgust at the actions of the former Newcastle rider.
"I didn't see the incident because I was on the telephone to the referee, but from what I have heard it was appalling," he said.
"That sort of behaviour has no place in this sport. It is hard enough for these lads riding full time, out there on track and picking up injuries, without having someone deliberately aiming things at them and trying to injure them."
"Kenni (Larsen) did pick up an injury to his leg, but he continued for the rest of the meeting and he did well for us."
"It did, however, bring a sour note to the night."
In a statement issued tonight on the British Speedway Forum, Scunthorpe Team Manager Kenny Smith said :
"There is no way that Rob or I condone the actions of Ben Powell last night. He came to us, after his problems at Newcastle, and to be honest has not given us a problem since the day we signed him.
"Last night's actions though were indefensable and we wish to totally disassociate ourselves from his actions. He was quite rightly fined £300 by the referee and as a result we will not be inviting him to our Open meeting. He has spoken to me this morning and wishes to apologise for his actions. Despite that we have released him, we wish to thank him for his efforts and wish him well for his future."
Scunthorpe co-promoter Rob Godfrey said, "Scunthorpe Speedway can not, and will not, condone Ben Powell’s actions.
"We had even considered making him an asset... but last night’s actions are indefensible and he will not be riding in our Hallowe’en Trophy at the end of the month."
