Police probe rugby league website hack

Police are investigating an apparent hack of the website of British rugby league team the Keighley Cougars by Islamic State sympathisers.

British counter-terrorism police are investigating the hacking of the website of second-tier rugby league team the Keighley Cougars by someone leaving pro-Islamic State propaganda.

The club's home page currently shows a black screen with scrolling text which includes the words, "This time is a time of Islam and victory. And lift the injustice for Muslims.

"F*** you USA and Israel & all the allies of the infidels."

A message posted on the club's Twitter feed said: "Apologies, the website has been hacked. The developers are working on it. Will let you know when it's back up and running."

Police say they have received a number of calls about the incident.

"We are aware of this incident and have now passed it to our counter-terrorism unit.

"We will work with the club in relation to this and are making enquiries."

The Keighley Cougars play in Championship One, English rugby league's second-tier competition below the Super League.

A message on the hacked page "to all the population and the government, especially" claims the "State of Islam" is expanding.

The site also features images of fighter jets which it refers to as "warplanes of making America", pictures of the wreckage of "Muslim homes" and bloody images of people injured in fighting.

Posting on social media, one person claimed a host server had been hacked, leading to 60 other websites featuring the same page.

Some fans have expressed concern over the financial details of those who have used the website.

"Are the bank details of people who have bought season tickets merchandise etc from the online shop safe?", asked one.


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