THE RUGBY club at the heart of an alleged eye-gouging attack has dropped its appeal against a penalty fine.

Maidstone Rugby Club was set to appeal against a £2,000 fine and 50-point deduction after former Gravesend Rugby Club player Clarence Harding, aged 23, was blinded in his right eye.

A Rugby Football Union (RFU) disciplinary hearing on January 12 held the club responsible for the action of its players after one damaged Mr Harding’s eye.

The incident happened during a cup match between the two teams at Mote Park, Maidstone, on January 17 last year.

Maidstone player Mat Iles had initially been held responsible by the RFU, but was found not guilty in a disciplinary hearing on November 23 last year.