No action taken over Grand Final controversy (From Halesowen News)

No action taken over Grand Final controversy

12:13pm Wednesday 27th February 2013 in Sport Exclusive By Matt Maher

SPEEDWAY officials will take no action over the controversial incident which marred last year’s National League Grand Final involving Dudley Heathens.

The club lodged a formal complaint back in October when Mildenhall co-promoter Chris Louis entered the referees box after a dramatic final leg crash which ultimately handed his side the championship by a single point.

But after months of waiting the Speedway Control Bureau have now confirmed neither Louis or referee David Robinson will face censure.

Bureau consultant administrator Graham Reeves explained: “It was investigated and decided there was no requirement to hold a tribunal, no action was taken.

“There was a procedural matter, which has been acknowledged.”

The controversy exploded during the final heat of the Grand Final, which was held at King’s Lynn.

Heathens skipper Adam Roynon collided with Mildenhall’s Stefan Nielsen at the end of the opening lap. After a 15 minute delay, Roynon was disqualified, which effectively ended Dudley’s hopes of taking the title.

Louis admitted entering the referee’s box while Robinson was making his decision, though the Bureau accepted his explanation that he only did so to view a video of the incident located in an adjacent room.

He denied receiving an initial phone call from the referee saying Nielsen, and not Roynon, would be excluded.

Despite the Bureau’s decision not to hold a tribunal, Heathens chairman Nigel Pearson said he had been told some internal action had been taken.

He added: “It still hurts to this day how the final was decided and it leaves an unsavoury taste in the mouth.

“I can also understand how our supporters will feel disappointed. They feel the matter has been swept under the carpet.

“But we have to abide by the rules and decisions of the SCB and the BSPA (British Speedway Promoters Association).

“Whether we like it or not that is what they have decided.”