Former Irish underage internationals banned from British racecourses

 

Two footballers have been banned from racecourses in Britain by the British Horseracing Authority.

At March's Cheltenham Festival, Samir Carruthers of MK Dons and James Collins - who was on loan to Northampton from Shrewsbury at the time - were pictured appearing to relieve themselves on a balcony while surrounded by racegoers. Cheltenham cancelled the booking of a group of players for day two of the showpiece fixture.

Collins, now with Crawley, and Carruthers both publicly apologised for their actions. Collins can appeal the ban after two years and Carruthers after a year.

Jessica Hayes and Katie Salmon, former stars in the ITV2 reality show Love Island, have also been banned after being photographed exposing their breasts at the same Cheltenham meeting. They can appeal after three years.

BHA spokeswoman Rosie Margarson said: "The British Horseracing Authority is responsible for protecting the proper conduct and good reputation of horseracing in this country.

"As a result of their behaviour at Cheltenham racecourse, the BHA applied to its disciplinary officer to have Katie Salmon, Jessica Hayes, Samir Carruthers and James Collins excluded from all licensed premises, including all racecourses in Great Britain.

"The disciplinary officer was satisfied on the evidence put before him that all individuals should be excluded from the sport."

Salmon tweeted on Sunday: "Who wants to go the races anyway."