REDRUTH Rugby Club have launched an investigation following claims of alleged racial abuse during their Boxing Day clash with Camborne.

The matter was brought to light following the dismissal of Camborne's Movete Oto Ota during an off-the-ball incident in the game which took place away from the centre of the action.

Camborne's director of rugby, Mr Roger Moyle, said the incident was brought to both clubs' attention after the match.

"We have had a meeting with Redruth RFC concerning alleged racial taunting by a section of the Redruth supporters along with another alleged incident of racial abuse by a Redruth player.

"Following a disciplinary meeting at Camborne on Sunday, the club have decided to suspend Movete Oto Ota pending the contents of the referee's report and the investigation currently being undertaken by Redruth. We will then take the appropriate action."

Mr Roger Watson, the secretary of Redruth, said his club was taking the matter very seriously.

"I can confirm that Camborne have made an allegation concerning a Redruth player and we will be conducting a thorough inquiry into the matter.

"There is no place in sport for behaviour of this kind and we will take whatever action is necessary following the completion of our inquiries. We meet again on Friday to discuss our findings.

"We are disappointed as a club that an allegation of this nature should be made, but we are pleased that Camborne have asked for us to deal with it internally.

"We have had several players in the past who have been subjected to this type of behaviour and many will remember Marcel Gomez being on the end of racial abuse many years ago.

"We have also received an alleged allegation about racial taunting by a section of the crowd, but that might be more difficult to prove. However, as a first step we have printed a warning in Saturday's match day programme with Westcombe Park.

"We will take whatever action is necessary to stamp out this type of beaviour."

Mr Moyle agreed: "Rugby today is a multi-racial sport and there is no room for anyone - players or supporters - who abuses players in this manner.

"The Camborne club has full confidence in the investigation being carried out by Redruth."