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The match was postponed on 22 January and rescheduled for Sunday, 23 January. Prior to a pitch inspection at 12.00, Newcastle Falcons departed Bourgoin and flew back to the UK.
The Misconduct Complaint was that Newcastle Falcons refused and/or failed to participate in the match on its rescheduled date, 23 January ,or at all. The club pleaded guilty to the complaint.
The independent Disciplinary Committee, chaired by Roger Morris (Wales) and also comprising Robert Williams (Wales) and Mark McParland (Ireland), determined that Newcastle Falcons be expelled from this season's Amlin Challenge Cup tournament and be banned for one year from ERC competitions, the ban suspended for five years and activated if they commit an act of misconduct of a similar nature. The club was also fined €25,000 with costs awarded to ERC.
The match, and five match points, were awarded to Bourgoin on a scoreline of 28-0.
Independent Disciplinary Committee
a) The independent Disciplinary Committee is chosen by the Chairman of the independent Disciplinary Panel, Professor Lorne Crerar.
b) The ERC Disciplinary Officer, Roger O'Connor, presents the case against the club
c) Both parties to the hearing (ERC and the club) have the right to appeal decisions of the independent Disciplinary Committee. Appeals must be lodged within 72 hours of receiving the full written decision from the Chairman of the independent Disciplinary Committee
d) The full written decision of the independent Disciplinary Committee will be available on www.ercrugby.com/disciplinenews when the disciplinary process is complete
