Erc Press Release: Citings

An independent Disciplinary Committee met today in Dublin (25 February, 2004) to consider the citing complaints by London Wasps against players of USA Perpignan arising out of the meeting of the two teams in the sixth and final round of Pool matches in the Heineken Cup at Stade Aime Giral on 1 February, 2004. Originally, London Wasps raised 12 complaints against five players with the tournament organisers, ERC. Last week they withdrew six of their complaints. The remaining six citings were brought against three players.

The independent Disciplinary Committee, comprising Rod McKenzie (SRU - chairman), Phil Orr (IRFU) and Terry Vaux (WRU), made the following decisions:

1. The one citing complaint against Rimas Alvarez Kairelis for alleged foul play was dismissed.

2. Of the two citings brought against Bernard Goutta, the Perpignan captain, one was dismissed and one upheld. In the complaint which was upheld, the Committee found the player had struck the Wasps No 6, Joe Worsley, with his fist and therefore imposed a suspension of 4 weeks with effect from today.

3. In relation to Michel Konieckiewicz, all three citings against the player were upheld. In the case of the first citing, which involved the player standing on the foot of the Wasps No 9, Rob Howley, the player was reprimanded. In the case of the second and third citings, which involved punches to the head of the Wasps No 2 Trevor Leota and the Wasps No 16 Ben Gotting respectively, periods of suspension of 6 weeks were imposed in each case. The suspensions will run concurrently and are effective from today.

Michel Konieckiewicz was ordered to pay one half of the total costs of London Wasps in connection with the citing proceedings and one half of the costs of ERC. Bernard Goutta was ordered to pay one sixth of the costs of ERC. London Wasps were ordered to pay the remaining one third. All parties have the right of appeal against any decision.

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 panel normally consists 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.