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BBC Sport Online: Rugby League


Tuesday, 23 January, 2001, 15:57 GMT

Wigan boss backs Saints in ad row



St Helen's v Bradford
Wigan chairman Maurice Lindsay has condemned the Super League's publicity stunt to get Warrington and Wigan fans behind Brisbane Broncos in Friday's World Club Challenge.

The League placed advertisements in local newspapers urging rival fans to cheer for the Broncos against Grand Final winners St Helens.

The stunt, designed to boost the attendance at the Reebok Stadium, has upset Saints captain Chris Joynt.

Lindsay, the brainchild behind the concept of the World Club Challenge in the late eighties, has appealed to Wigan fans to ignore Super League's campaign.

Instead, he has called for fans to get behind local rival St Helens.


Maurice Lindsay

"We are British and no-one should ever want British fans to support an overseas club against a British club. It's just not right," said Lindsay

"I inaugurated the World Club Challenge and I remember back in 1988 we had fans from St Helens, Castleford, Hull and all over flocking to watch us against Manly and they all supported Wigan.

"We stood for British rugby league and that's what St Helens will be doing on Friday night.

Time to unite

"So I am appealing to Wigan and indeed Warrington fans to ignore the request and go to the stadium and support St Helens.

"After the disaster of the World Cup, we want as much good news as we can from now on.

"A brave performance by St Helens would give us a healthy start to the season.

"I want Chris Joynt and his lads to know that I'm against the campaign and so are the Wigan players.

"We will be right behind them."


Related to this story:
League defends partisan ad campaign (22 Jan 01 | Rugby League)

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