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BHA issues indefinite ban to another social media user for 'unacceptable behaviour'
The BHA has excluded a second social media user for abuse towards jockeys and trainers and reaffirmed its zero-tolerance approach to malicious behaviour online.
Michael Wheble, who the BHA confirmed was not a licensed or registered participant, was given an indefinite suspension. It means he can no longer attend a British racecourse, or any BHA licenced premises, while others would be in breach for having any association with him in connection to racing in Britain.
He is the second person to face what in effect may be a lifetime ban for breaching the BHA's code of conduct for social media use after Adam Fowles, from Cheshire, was excluded last year. The BHA also confirmed it had given final warnings to a further four people regarding their online conduct.
The Racing Post has seen intimidating and aggressive tweets sent from an account, matching the name of the excluded man, aimed towards a variety of jockeys and trainers over a year's period. The account has not posted since the ban was issued on July 20.
A BHA spokesperson said: “The BHA is committed to protecting the integrity of horseracing and considers the health and welfare of the sport’s participants a priority. The BHA code of conduct, which forms part of the rules of racing, establishes a set of standards aimed at protecting the values of the sport of horseracing and making racing a great place to work based on a culture of respect. Everyone involved in the sport of horseracing is expected to uphold these values and standards.
“The code makes clear that anyone who fails to uphold these values and standards, whether in person or online, could face disciplinary action. In this case, Mr Wheble was found to have breached the Code due to unacceptable use of social media and was excluded from the sport.
“For individuals unfortunately affected by behaviour on social media that is contrary to the standards set out in the code, the BHA can be contacted via intel@britishhorseracing.com, or via the sport’s anonymous online reporting service, RaceWISE. If a case has been reported to police, we will work with them and the relevant industry body to support any action the police decide to take.”
Findings from MyRacing last year highlighted eight British-based jockeys were sent more than 1,000 derogatory tweets each in a 12-month window
, with Oisin Murphy receiving more than 8,700 negative posts directed to his personal profile on the platform during that time. The data was collected from social listening tools, highlighting key words to reveal the extent of online abuse in the sport.
A Racing Post special report in 2021 into social media abuse highlighted riders would receive negative posts "virtually daily",
while trainers Jimmy Moffatt and Henry Spiller have spoken out about messages received in recent months.
The racing industry took part in a three-day social media boycott to raise awareness of online abuse, racism and discrimination during Guineas weekend in 2021. Speaking at the time, BHA chief Julie Harrington argued "change was needed"
https://www.racingpost.com/news/britain/bha-issues-indefinite-ban-to-social-media-user-for-unacceptable-behaviour-aFoGy6J68XGA/
The BHA has excluded a second social media user for abuse towards jockeys and trainers and reaffirmed its zero-tolerance approach to malicious behaviour online.
Michael Wheble, who the BHA confirmed was not a licensed or registered participant, was given an indefinite suspension. It means he can no longer attend a British racecourse, or any BHA licenced premises, while others would be in breach for having any association with him in connection to racing in Britain.
He is the second person to face what in effect may be a lifetime ban for breaching the BHA's code of conduct for social media use after Adam Fowles, from Cheshire, was excluded last year. The BHA also confirmed it had given final warnings to a further four people regarding their online conduct.
The Racing Post has seen intimidating and aggressive tweets sent from an account, matching the name of the excluded man, aimed towards a variety of jockeys and trainers over a year's period. The account has not posted since the ban was issued on July 20.
A BHA spokesperson said: “The BHA is committed to protecting the integrity of horseracing and considers the health and welfare of the sport’s participants a priority. The BHA code of conduct, which forms part of the rules of racing, establishes a set of standards aimed at protecting the values of the sport of horseracing and making racing a great place to work based on a culture of respect. Everyone involved in the sport of horseracing is expected to uphold these values and standards.
“The code makes clear that anyone who fails to uphold these values and standards, whether in person or online, could face disciplinary action. In this case, Mr Wheble was found to have breached the Code due to unacceptable use of social media and was excluded from the sport.
“For individuals unfortunately affected by behaviour on social media that is contrary to the standards set out in the code, the BHA can be contacted via intel@britishhorseracing.com, or via the sport’s anonymous online reporting service, RaceWISE. If a case has been reported to police, we will work with them and the relevant industry body to support any action the police decide to take.”
Findings from MyRacing last year highlighted eight British-based jockeys were sent more than 1,000 derogatory tweets each in a 12-month window
, with Oisin Murphy receiving more than 8,700 negative posts directed to his personal profile on the platform during that time. The data was collected from social listening tools, highlighting key words to reveal the extent of online abuse in the sport.A Racing Post special report in 2021 into social media abuse highlighted riders would receive negative posts "virtually daily",
while trainers Jimmy Moffatt and Henry Spiller have spoken out about messages received in recent months. The racing industry took part in a three-day social media boycott to raise awareness of online abuse, racism and discrimination during Guineas weekend in 2021. Speaking at the time, BHA chief Julie Harrington argued "change was needed"
https://www.racingpost.com/news/britain/bha-issues-indefinite-ban-to-social-media-user-for-unacceptable-behaviour-aFoGy6J68XGA/
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Replies: 98
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Fully deserved, what a prat he was on here.
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michael Wheble
@WhebleMichael · Jun 5 @EdDunlopRacing SARKA WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO GET OUT OF THIS GAME YOU SURELY MUST KNOW YOU ARE FINISHED AS A DECENT TRAINER YOU ARE NOW NEARLY AT THE BOTTOM OF THE GOOD TRAINERS LADDER. GO JUST GO AND DO PUNTERS A FAVOUR michael Wheble @WhebleMichael · Jun 5 @JoeFanning14 PRIMOS COMET YOU CHEATING LITTLE B LOOKING FORBGOLDIES OTHER ONE I INTEND TO BUMP INTO YOU SOON ON COURSE Ed Dunlop been in decent form since Mick had a pop at him That is a direct threat towards Joe Fanning  |
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Don't think there was a jockey he didn't have a rant at on here, even young 7lb claimers came in for his bile.
Gordon goofed big time. |
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To be honest, I thought he had lost it big time. I stopped getting involved in his ridiculous posts for that reason.
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What name did he post on here stewarts?
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I can't recall jimnast, may have been his initials, leif will know i expect.
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https://community.betfair.com/mickwheblembe
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Can't see much in the Dunlop rant, the Fanning one could not be acceptable imo.
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Paradoxically, the media's historic reluctance to criticise jockeys leaves the field clear for the twitter nutters who think every losing ride is corrupt, and every winner was corrupt when it lost last time out.
In football it is ok to say a player took a poor penalty or overhit a pass, in cricket we can point to dropped catches or wides, but in racing even to hint that a jockey should have gone wide (or not) is seen as tantamount to accusing him of the Jack the Ripper murders. If a jockey can't have bad luck, or can't make poor decisions in the heat of the moment, according to the media, then you can see why the tin foil merchants conclude it must have been deliberate. |
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.The Dunlop rant could easily be perceived as Constructive Criticism imo.
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Good riddance to him. Remember him well on here.
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mickwheblembe • February 2, 2021 3:32 PM GMT
What a bunch of second rate jockey idiots all of them except the winner should all be banned for at least a week or longer how can this race riding be considered fair to punters ,BUT WITH THEVWEAKEST ORGANOSATION IN ANY SPORT THE BHA YOU KNOW NOTHING WILL BE DONE,Because those running the BHA are worse at any honest decisions that protect punters Looks like the BHA aren't that weak after all Mick, they banned you! |
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Sparrow he posts on the Greyhound Forum, although not much lately.
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I remember him well on here glasgow but not on the greyhound forum.
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Clearly wasn’t differentdrum then
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stewarts rise • July 23, 2019 10:02 AM BST
Wish one of the trainers or jockeys he libels would sue this moron! mickwheblembe 22 Jul 19 19:12 Joined: 31 Dec 11 | Topic/replies: 272 | Blogger: mickwheblembe's blog Anorak, That site is not known by the ordinary punter you idiot Yes it is you Gormless Gordon the Gopher Goon!Laugh Report•Quote•Block Usermickwheblembe • July 24, 2019 11:22 AM BST I Am So pleased I have now a “Yankee” of idiots Anorak,Glasgow Calling,Johnny Mustang And NOW Stewart’s rise, The (4) PRICKATEERS I can put them to-gether and have the perfect ingredient for a dish called ****s Al a Pricks! I made it onto quite an illustrious list from mick, thanks, |
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Do the people who get involved in actual violence on the racecourse get indefinitely banned by the BHA?
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He was an absolute t0sser
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@ramruma
"then you can see why the tin foil merchants conclude it must have been deliberate." Agreed; but that doesn't excuse implicitly threatening them with personal violence. |
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He was, but an obvious loon. Almost I would say likely to have clinical psychological issues. Which means you basically ignore whatever they spout. I am interested in if those who actually carry out criminal behaviour on the racecourse face similar, indeterminate bans. I actually don't know, it's a genuine question, if anyone on here does know.
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No idea Cider; one would like to hope so.
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Don't know cider, but would think it highly likely if actually assaulted a jockey/trainer.
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Should be anyone, shouldn't it. Getting into a mass brawl at Goodwood, in the middle of families enjoying the racing is far worse than spouting nonsense on tw@atter.
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Found this in the first newspaper story thrown up by a google for "racecourse violence":
"The British Horseracing Authority announced that it had banned all 11 of the convicted men from the sport for an indefinite period, with a minimum of three years. This means they will not be permitted to enter racecourses or racing stables, and licensed personnel are prohibited from discussing the sport with them." https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/nov/12/nine-sentenced-fight-goodwood-horse-racing |
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You can imagine the uproar though, if he had went to a racecourse and assaulted someone or worse, then all his historical tweets or posts were published. Imo cider both should be treated the same
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Ta longbridge. So it appears, they only get banned if they are convicted.
30-man fight What about the other 19? (rhetorical). |
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Imo cider both should be treated the same
Yes I'm stating that if someone is banned indefinitely for spouting nonsense of twatter, that is at least the threshold for actual fighting on the racecourse (for example). Personally, I feel that actual fighting is worse than a loon being a loon, online. |
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I seem to recall the dope reviewed his own book on Amazon, saying what a great book it was for kids but reviewed under his own name!
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There's a depressing trend in my view for authorities to pursue activities that they view objectionable, that do not pose any genuine danger, but are low hanging fruit. As it can be boasted about online. And more threatening or dangerous activity, that might be more difficult to deal with is bypassed. It is good to see that those convicted in that Goodwood scrap were banned. But my reading of that was that the BHA only took action once they were convicted, and anyone who isn't formally convicted gets away with it. Why wait for formal convictions? As we see from this post, they don't need legal back up to take action.
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yes please - no criticising jockeys or trainers please - never anything to see here - BHA - last bastions of honesty and looking after the interests of the common man - love and peace
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Bha are causing more damage to racing than anyone
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shooda - criticising jockeys is fine of course - though I am always wary how much is pocket talk - but a line is crossed when that criticism moves to "you'd better watch your back if I see you on a racecourse" or the like. IMO.
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Joe Fanning was
n't an isolated casemichael Wheble @WhebleMichael · Jun 3 @osbornejamie ALL DUNN YOU ARE A SLIMY LITTLE CHEATING B WHO I WOULD LOVEBTO BUMP INTO michael Wheble @WhebleMichael · May 27 @JamesMoff1 big gangster you are nothing but a cheating bst who deserves and will get your comeuppance when I see you onncourse michael Wheble @WhebleMichael · May 20 @rhannonracing POWERDRESS YOU ARE ONE CHEATING BASTARD THIS HORSE DRIFTED LIKE A BARGE AND RAN LIKE A PIG I AM EAGER TO BUMP INTO YOU SOON AND SHOW WHAT I FEEL. michael Wheble @WhebleMichael · May 4 @CoddJJ PEBBLE BEACH YOU CROOKED B YOU BEVER TRIED A YARD ON THIS HORSE AND WHEN WE MEET YOU WILL WILL KNOW michael Wheble @WhebleMichael · Apr 20 @SimonCrisford PENZANCE THAT IS TAKING THE PISS OUT OF PUNTERS THE WAYNTHIS HORSE RAN YOU CHEATING B I HOPE I SEE YOU ON COURSE SOON AND TELL YOU WHAT I REALLY THINK YCB michael Wheble @WhebleMichael · Apr 5 @hpalmerracing RENEGADE THAT RUN OF THIS WAS ABSOLUTELY DISGRACEFUL YOU MAY NOT CARE ABOUT PUNTERS LOSING THEIR HARD EARNED MONEY THE PUNTERS IN THIS SHOP ARE GOING BERSERK AND THEY GO RACING REGULAR AND INTEND TO MAKE THEIR FEELINGS KNOWN TO YOU. michael Wheble @WhebleMichael · Mar 10 @DavidPipeRacing AMERICAN SNIPER ANOTHER ONE OF YOUR STROMES YOU CHEATING SLAG,I HOPETO BUMP INTO YOU ONE DAY michael Wheble @WhebleMichael · Mar 8 @oismurphy STARSONG WE ARE WATCHING YOU AND YOUR RIDES VERY INTENSELY WITH A VIEW TO REPORTING THE SPORTS MINISTER,YOU AND APPLEBY ARE COMING CLOSE TO TROUBLE. michael Wheble @WhebleMichael · Dec 4, 2022 @philip_rothwell MR GLOBALIST AREYOU A TRAINER OR JUST S CROOK BECUASE THIS HORSE WAS FAVOURITE AND RAN LIKE A 1000/1 shot IFI WAS ON COURSE I WOULD GET BY THE SCRUFF OF THE NECK AND TAKE YOU THE POLICE STATION I WILL ONE DAY COME ACROSS YOU michael Wheble @WhebleMichael · Nov 25, 2022 @DSkeltonRacing PADDLEYOUROWNCANOE IF I WAS ON COURSE YOU WOULD RECEIVE MY FEELINGS STRONGLY YOU CHEATING CNT michael Wheble @WhebleMichael · Nov 13, 2022 @WillieMullinsNH DADS LAD THAT WAS ****G DISGUSTING YOUNWANT LOCKING UP I WILL MAKE A POINT OF TELLINGNYOUNTHAT WHEN I MEET YOU AT THE TACES @JonjoONeill FLIGHT DECK ANOTHER DISGUSTING RUN FROM AN UNBACKED MCMANUS HORSE,THIS IS JUST DEFRAUDINGB THE PUBLIC PUNTERS AND I HAVE SENT THE VIDEO OF THIS HORSES RUN TO THE CULTURE SECRETARY AND BHA AND DEMANDED THE STRONGEST ACTION YOU WILL KNOW ABOUT IT IF I EVER MEET YOU. michael Wheble @WhebleMichael · Nov 3, 2022 @AWCarrollracing EASTERN STAR AND ANOTHER DEAD ONE I AM GETTINGBSICK OF BACKING YOUR DEAD ONES CANNOT WAIT TO MEET YOU AND TELL YOU TO YOUR FACE YCB michael Wheble @WhebleMichael · Oct 30, 2022 @donaldmccain NAVAJO PASS YOU WANT LOCKING UP I HOPE I MEET YOU ON COURSE ONE DAY michael Wheble @WhebleMichael · Oct 19, 2022 @OBMRacing BARRAKHOV A OTHER DAY ANOTHER STROKE PULLED DONT WORRY YOU WILL BE CAUGHT UP WITH Willie Mullins though pmsl |
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How do they enforce the ban, most racecourses would not know him if he turned up. Saying that he probably never attended a racecourse in his life
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Sounds a proper bully
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It means he can no longer attend a British racecourse, or any BHA licenced premises,
pmsl |
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^
And a coward. |
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BHA employed a team of people standing at the turnstiles of every British racecourse, or any BHA licenced premises, making sure he doesn't get in ??
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Yes saxon
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