Erc Press Release: Bans For Porcu And Baugh

An independent Disciplinary Committee met in Dublin today (Monday, 5 January, 2004) to hear two citing complaints lodged with ERC following Round 2 of the Heineken Cup.

The Disciplinary Committee comprised Douglas Hunter (SRU, Chairman), Jonathan Dance (RFU) and John Spencer (RFU).
The citing complaints were:

1) Christophe Porcu (Perpignan) was cited by Celtic Warriors for three alleged incidents of punching in regard to the Perpignan v Celtic Warriors match played 13 December, 2003.

In relation to the first incident the Disciplinary Panel found insufficient evidence to uphold the citing.

In respect of the second and third incidents the Disciplinary Panel found Mr Porcu guilty of foul play under Law 10.4a (punching an opponent).

'These two offences were cynical, unacceptable and unprovoked off-the-ball incidents which could have caused serious injury and the panel suspends Mr Porcu for five weeks up to and including Monday, 9 February, 2004,' said Mr Hunter. 'The costs of this hearing were awarded against the player.'

Mr Porcu has the right of appeal.

2) Dan Baugh (Cardiff Blues) was cited by Leinster Lions for alleged stamping and kicking an opponent's head in regard to the Cardiff Blues v Leinster Lions match played 12 December, 2003.
'The panel found that the action of Mr Baugh was at least careless with no regard for the consequences of his action,' said Mr Hunter.
'The citing was therefore upheld and the panel suspends Mr Baugh for eight weeks up to and including Monday, 1 March, 2004. The costs of this hearing were awarded against the player.'
Mr Baugh has the right of appeal.

NOTES TO EDITORS:
a) A citing complaint must be made in writing, and received by the Disciplinary Officer within 50 hours of the start of the match
b) The independent Disciplinary Committee is chosen by the Disciplinary Chairman, Professor Lorne Crerar
c) The three-man panel must consist of a legal expert (Chairman), an eminent rugby administrator and former player
d) No member may be chosen from a country whose club is a party to the complaint
e) A citing complaint can only be valid where the incident/incidents were not detected by any of the match officials
f) The citing club has the burden of proving, on the balance of probabilities, that the player cited committed an act of illegal or foul play not detected by the match officials
g) Both parties are entitled to be present at the hearing
h) Any appeal of the decision of the Disciplinary Committee must be lodged not more than 72 hours after receipt of written notice of the decision being appealed against