It has been revealed that a Russell Group university club has been suspended indefinitely after it was alleged that they carried out 'disgusting' initiation rituals.
Cardiff University’s Men’s Cricket Society has been banned by the Students’ Union (SU) as it emerged that incidents allegedly occurred at a social, where freshers were described as 'worthless'.
It's been claimed some students were made to eat raw onions and down pints of beer and cider, and one student even had his head 'pushed' into a toilet bowl.
An investigation into the claims has been carried out, and the society has been banned from training or even wearing their red and yellow blazers.
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The SU reiterated that they do not tolerate this kind of behaviour, after reports of cricket team recruits being ‘bullied’ and ‘degraded’ at a sports social in freshers week came to the fore.
Committee members of the society have now been banned from competing following an investigation, as they were found guilty of serious misconduct.
An inquiry was launched by the Russell Group universities' Students' Union back in October, after an event at Misfits nightclub allegedly involved the teens getting on their knees in cricket whites before performing a number of disturbing rituals.
One student described the sight of it as 'watching a form of human torture' to The Cardiff Tab, with another adding: "It was just a bit too far. Some of the guys did look quite uncomfortable, they were gagging at their drinks."
It was claimed that older students were throwing pints of beer at the younger recruits, before they had to take off their soggy socks and stuff them into their mouths, as one witness pointed out that the floor was 'soaking wet and it stank'.
Allegedly, while one of the boys was throwing up into a toilet, an older student came in and pushed his head into the bowl.
In an official statement from Cardiff University's Students' Union, a spokesman said: "Following reports of serious misconduct, the Students’ Union has concluded a full investigation and appeal process into the men’s cricket club.
"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."
They went on: "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."
They explained that there is a 'zero-tolerance position' when it comes to similar behaviour, adding that 'while we want students to take part in sport and social activity', they will get involved if it isn't run 'responsibly'.
Applications from students wanting to establish a new cricket club in time for the new academic year in September will be considered, but cricket sessions will now be put on by the Union for students who weren't involved in the incident.
In addition, the SU will write to all university sports clubs to remind them of expectations and responsibilities, as well as the 'standards of behaviour required of anyone representing the Students’ Union or the wider university'.
A spokesman for Misfits nightclub said last year that they 'would never allow any type of bullying to go on in the venue'.
They claimed: "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."
Joshua Nair