Referee Ben Thaler cleared after investigation

The governing body confirmed Thaler will again be "considered for appointments as a member of the RFL’s squad of full-time match officials when competitive rugby league resumes, after the completion of an internal investigation found there was no case to answer".

Thaler, from Wakefield, was stood down on February 17.

He took charge of Leeds Rhinos' Betfred Super League round one clash with Hull, but has not refereed since.

In a statement issued by the RFL on Sunday, Thaler said: “I’m happy to have been exonerated from any of the allegations made against me, with the process being completed, no adverse findings made and my suspension therefore having been immediately lifted."

He added: “I’d like to put it all behind me now and concentrate on refereeing, whenever games restart.

“I would like to thank my family and friends for their encouragement and support during such a difficult time.

"Their support and the messages of support I have had from the wider game has been overwhelming.”

Rugby league has been shut down until at least April 3 due to the coronavirus pandemic.