ERC Press Release: Betsen citing case result

An independent Disciplinary Committee met in Glasgow today (Wednesday, 9 February) to hear the citing complaint brought by London Wasps against Serge Betsen, of Biarritz Olympique, for alleged illegal/foul play in the Heineken Cup Round 6 match between Biarritz Olympique and London Wasps on Saturday, 15 January.

The citing complaint by London Wasps was made on Monday, 17 January. The independent Citing Commissioner took the decision on Wednesday, 19 January that there was a case to answer. A preliminary hearing was staged on Wednesday, 2 February, to consider whether the citing complaint was valid and could proceed, when the Match referee had stated that he had seen the incident in question, but had not detected any illegal or foul play. The independent Disciplinary Committee found that the citing complaint was valid and should go to a full hearing.

After today's hearing, at which witness statements, video and photographic evidence were considered and Betsen appeared in person, the independent Disciplinary Committee found that the player did commit an act of illegal or foul play, namely a deliberate trip of the London Wasps centre Stuart Abbott. This contravened Law 10-4(d) of the Laws of the Game.

However, it also found that the trip, while intentional, was not premeditated and had been carried out "in the heat of the moment". The panel decided the offence would not have warranted Betsen being ordered off the field of play if detected by the referee. As a result, the citing complaint was not upheld and no suspension or other sanction was imposed on the player.

No award was made as to costs of either party.

The independent Disciplinary Committee was made up of Rod McKenzie, Chairman (SRU), Professor Lorne Crerar (SRU) and Dr. Barry O'Driscoll (IRFU).