A university cricket club accused of forcing freshers’ heads down toilets and demanding they down pints of beer as part of ‘tortuous’ initiation rituals has been suspended for the academic year, it emerged today.
Committee members at Cardiff University’s Men’s Cricket Society have also been banned from competing after an investigation found they were responsible for serious misconduct.
It comes after an inquiry was launched by the Russell Group university’s Students’ Union, in October, following reports of first year cricket team recruits being ‘bullied’ and ‘degraded’ during initiation games at a nightclub social in fresher’s week.
Witnesses said the teenagers, who were wearing cricket whites, were forced onto their knees in Misfits nightclub, in the Welsh capital, and ordered to perform a series of rituals, akin to what one described as ‘human torture.’
Older students were apparently seen throwing pints of beer at the younger recruits, before ordering them to take off their soggy socks and stuffing them into their mouths.
They were also made to eat raw onions and down pints of beer and cider, even while throwing up, it was claimed.
One witness told student newspaper, The Tab: ‘It was just a bit too far. Some of the guys did look quite uncomfortable, they were gagging at their drinks.’
Another student claimed that while one of the boys was being sick in a toilet, another older student came in and pushed his head into the porcelain bowl.
Misfits nightclub in Cardiff, where fellow students were appalled to witness the treatment of new members of Cardiff University’s Men’s Cricket Society
The Students’ Union has now suspended the society for the academic year following an investigation into serious misconduct by members
A spokesman for Cardiff University’s Students’ Union said they found ‘clear evidence’ that cricket club members had ‘breached explicit guidance’ surrounding student safety and welfare.
‘Following reports of serious misconduct, the Students’ Union has concluded a full investigation and appeal process into the men’s cricket club,’ the spokesman said.
‘The investigation found clear evidence that activity associated with the club fell well below the standards expected.
‘These behaviours were inconsistent with our code of conduct, breached explicit guidance and raised significant concerns around student safety and welfare.
‘As a result, and in line with our disciplinary policies, the men’s cricket club has been suspended for the remainder of the current academic year.
‘Committee members responsible for the club at the time of the incident will no longer be permitted to represent Cardiff University in cricket.’
The spokesman said they had a ‘zero-tolerance position on initiation-type behaviour.’
‘While we want students to take part in sport and social activity, we will act where evidence shows our expectations have not been met to ensure activity is run responsibly,’ the Students’ Union said.
The spokesman said they would be considering applications from students wishing to establish a new cricket club in time for the academic year in September, but, in the meantime, cricket sessions would be put on by the Union directly for students not involved in the inappropriate behaviour.
All those who take part will be expected to ‘engage with positive social culture sessions,’ the spokesman added.
‘The focus will be on participation in sport within a safe, supervised and values-led framework.
‘The Students’ Union will consider applications to establish a men’s cricket club in a future academic year (but) any application will be subject to robust scrutiny and must clearly demonstrate safe leadership, a positive club culture, and full alignment with the Union’s expectations and standards of behaviour.’
The spokesman said that the Union would also be writing to all the university’s sports clubs to ‘reiterate responsibilities, clarify expectations, and reinforce the standards of behaviour required of anyone representing the Students’ Union or the wider university.’
A spokesman for Misfits previously said they were unaware of any inappropriate behaviour, which had not been brought to their attention at the time.
However, the spokesman added: ‘Welfare of customers and staff members is a huge focus for us and we spend a lot of time as a team making sure people are safe and looked after so they can enjoy their night out in a safe manner.
‘We would never allow any type of bullying to go on in the venue.
‘We have a long-standing relationship with Cardiff University Men’s Cricket Club and have been nothing but friendly and respectful to our staff and the venue up to this point.’