Glasgow will this weekend be penalised by a two match ban handed out to a reserve for misconduct. However, it is not a Glasgow reserve, but Newcastle's Jamie Robertson.

Despite Robertson committing the offence - allegedly head butting the start marshall - at last weeks Berwick v Newcastle encounter riding for the Diamonds, it is ultimately Glasgow who suffer from his ban as Newcastle intend to use Derek Sneddon as Robertson's replacement.

The ban effectively strengthens Newcastle, particularly for the meeting at Glasgow where Robertson only scored one point on his last visit and has a career average of just over 3 including a fair number of 'gifted' points ahead of riders suffering engine failures.

Surely in a case where a reserve is banned through misconduct it should not matter that he is the higher scoring reserve and no guest should be allowed. His position should have to be taken by a CL rider - there are many after all who have been unable to secure positions this season - or by the clubs official number 8.

To allow a club, through no fault of their own, an advantage due to a serious misdemeanor committed by one of their riders is nothing short of farcical.

This situation should not have been allowed to arise and as fans we hope that the promotion are currently in discussions with the BSPA to let common sense prevail.

 

 

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