Tom Turner

Update: Source: bournemouthecho.co.uk The 22-year-old is due to attend a jury meeting following this afternoon's event in Riga at which he will give his version of events. Based on that meeting, a decision will then be made on what punishment, if any, will be handed out. A suspension and/or fine are possible penalties that Ward could face. His team manager at Poole, Neil Middleditch, politely declined to comment on the matter in detail. However, Middleditch told the Daily Echo: "I do not condone Darcy's actions but there are some mitigating circumstances which will come to light."

I firmly believe he should be punished, there is never an excuse for putting other peoples lives at risk. I do believe they should affect the length of the punishment. I don't believe somebody who who may of been pushed towards drink or drugs in a time of grief or hardship should be punished the same way as somebody who does drink or drugs for fun and put's peoples lives at risk in the process.

Yes but they should always be taken in to account when it comes down to exactly how long that ban may be. Unfortunately, as we have learned through time it is not always possible or sensible to have a blanket punishment for all and that the offense is not the only thing taken in to account. I do not know what Darcy is going through but I do know I have made some bad decisions in times of grief and hardship. Don't forget, I am saying Darcy is in the wrong and should receive a ban.

Update: Darcy Ward: "I received some bad family news yesterday." "I had a few drinks too and guess I had a few too many." "I was only marginally over the limit" "I guess I was not hydrated enough" "It's been the worst day of my life". As others have said there is no excuse and a ban should be expected. Scott Nicholls: "It would set a bad example if a ban is not awarded"

Yes, just as a judge would do if you ended up in court. Update: Darcy Ward: "I received some bad family news yesterday." "I had a few drinks too and guess I had a few too many." "I was only marginally over the limit" "I guess I was not hydrated enough" "It's been the worst day of my life". As others have said there is no excuse and a ban should be expected. Scott Nicholls: "It would set a bad example if a ban is not awarded"

My point proven exactly. Nasty person through and through.

You're just a very unpleasant individual. When you can't have a reasoned debate without becoming offensive you just come across as a nasty person. I am sure you know that already. I expect Holder is probably a bit too busy to take a call at the moment But yes, I expect Chris (or perhaps even Greg?) will be getting a phone call after Darcy's ban has been confirmed.

No, certainly not get you off, but yes, they do take mitigating circumstances into sentencing.

He said: "I should imagine if he does face a ban we would be unlikely to see him again this year"

I don't condone his actions. I am just saying, it doesn't hurt to have some compassion. Imagine for a second that something unforeseen happened and resulted in your life taking a downward turn, I am sure you would want any mitigating circumstances to be taken in to consideration? Especially if your livelihood depended on it.

Nothing to do with Poole Steve, no need to be like that is there? I have been the first to criticize when Poole have done wrong, but I am not obsessed with them. I am a Poole supporter but first and foremost I am a speedway supporter. It's starting to seem anything remotely related to Poole quickly stirs hate inside of you and you are fast to treat Poole fans like they are dirt. Come on mate, it doesn't need to be like that does it? What does that say about you? I am just saying, it doesn't hurt to have some compassion. Imagine for a second that something unforeseen happened and resulted in your life taking a downward turn, I am sure you would want any mitigating circumstances to be taken in to consideration? Especially if your livelihood depended on it.

Do you have any sources for this regulation? I think it's a bit aloof to hope he gets a "long long" ban, it look's like the guy probably has enough on his plate as it is. He's looked a shadow of the guy he used to be only a couple of years ago. He hasn't looked happy in interviews for a long time and clearly hasn't been himself as of recent.

First of all, what is the limit for riding a speedway bike? Is this a speedway regulation or a local regulation? The alcohol drink driving limit for road users varies massively country to country. Perhaps they forbid any alcohol at all? It's not uncommon for somebody to drink heavily one night, and feel fine the next day but still be over the legal limit. I'm just saying it's not uncommon for somebody his age to have a heavy Saturday night and not realize the effects might last so long. He could of been well under our legal drink drive limit in the UK but over theirs in Daugavpils. Not defending him, just brain storming. Doesn't always pay to judge somebody without the facts. It is only fair that any potential ban considers all factors of his defense, and so should we.

First of all, what is the limit for riding a speedway bike? Is this a speedway regulation or a local regulation? The alcohol drink driving limit for road users varies massively country to country. Perhaps they forbid any alcohol at all? It's not uncommon for somebody to drink heavily one night, and feel fine the next day but still be over the legal limit. I'm just saying it's not uncommon for somebody his age to have a heavy Saturday night and not realize the effects might last so long. He could of been well under our legal drink drive limit in the UK but over theirs in Daugavpils. Not defending him, just brain storming. Doesn't always pay to judge somebody without the facts. It is only fair that any potential ban considers all factors of his defense, and so should we.

He could of just been very drunk the night before? No it's not professional, but give the man a chance to put across his version of event's before you make your judgements.

Darcy Ward fails pre match alcohol breath test at Daugavpils Grand Prix. Darcy has been withdrawn from the meeting. Darcy Ward: "I received some bad family news yesterday." "I had a few drinks too and guess I had a few too many." "I was only marginally over the limit" "I guess I was not hydrated enough" "It's been the worst day of my life" The 22-year-old is due to attend a jury meeting following this afternoon's event in Riga at which he will give his version of events. Based on that meeting, a decision will then be made on what punishment, if any, will be handed out. A suspension and/or fine are possible penalties that Ward could face. His team manager at Poole, Neil Middleditch, politely declined to comment on the matter in detail. However, Middleditch told the Daily Echo: "I do not condone Darcy's actions but there are some mitigating circumstances which will come to light." As others have said there is unfortunately no excuse and a ban should be expected.

What a sorry affair... Look's like we could be looking at 75 - 15!

Fresh off of the back of 5 wins in a row including a win against runaway title favourites King's Lynn, the Pirates will be looking to secure another 3 point's against the Leicester Lion's. Will Poole be comfortable with their strong second place in the Elite League table or will their fresh taste of blood inspire them to fight for a potential first place league finish? With nothing to lose and all to gain the Pirate's will be looking to stamp their authority early on at the Wimborne road track over a weak Leicester side. Will King's Lynn hold their place as title leaders until the play off finals or will their recent loss prove to be a choking point for the Stars? Poole are definitely the on form team and will be looking to pounce. Teams to be confirmed.

Judging by the crowds last night it seems that Poole's cheating antics may have actually driven attendances!

To be honest most of us are over Benji. As far as cheating goes, I have seen worse go untouched in speedway. It's the attitude of some Poole supporters who aren't big enough to say "We shouldn't have done that" and admit that it was unfair which is causing this separation amongst the community. A small token gesture from a Poole supporter who understands how it must feel when it seems like another club is given preferential treatment over your own is all it takes to repair the damage. Unfortunately some supporters seem to show their support for cheating which is bound to cause upset among any supporter who truly loves and cares for their sport. Congratulations Poole on a well deserved win. The majority of the team has been here since the first day and each one has played his part to get to where they are today. Let's keep it up but not yet write off King's Lynn or they will be determined to inflict an even bigger away defeat in the final!

It's not Poole matters, it's matters that affect the whole league and future of the sport. Yes Matt Ford does all those things very well. He also cheats.

Then why hasn't anybody from the BSPA had the guts to put out an official statement? Do you think they have no idea the fans are upset? Of course they do. They visit this forum just like you or I. They haven't made a statement because they are in the wrong and they have no defense.

Do you really believe that?

I've been a member of the BSF (this isn't my first account, I forgot my first account long ago) for the best part of 6 years or more. I have seen the abuse Matt and Neil have received from members on this forum but on this occasion they deserve the abuse. It's incredibly sad that you would miss the point so often, I feel obliged to keep pointing it out to you but I am thoroughly wasting my time with you. It's nothing to do with Poole benefiting from help, it's the fact that they had the opportunity to when others didn't.

You're making an idiot of yourself and you are making forum life unbearable for the other Pirate's fans who are being dragged through the mud with you. As usual, you continue to epically miss the point.