Michael Cheika Misconduct Complaints Decision

The first complaint against Mr Cheika was that, during the half time interval and/or after the conclusion of the Amlin Challenge Cup final, he made comments to and/or near the match officials that were insulting and/or offensive and/or disparaging and/or intimidatory, and/or that he conducted himself towards the match officials in a way that was insulting and/or offensive and/or disparaging and/or intimidatory.

The second complaint against Mr Cheika was that, after the conclusion of the Amlin Challenge Cup final, he made comments to an employee of ERC that were insulting and/or offensive and/or disparaging and/or intimidatory.

The independent Disciplinary Committee was chaired by Simon Thomas (Wales) and also comprised Mark McParland (Ireland) and Antony Davies (England). ERC Disciplinary Officer, Roger O'Connor, presented the case against Mr Cheika.

Mr Cheika, who was represented by John O'Donnell SC and Richard Pool-Jones, vice-president of Stade Français Paris, pleaded guilty to both complaints.

Following submissions from both parties, the independent Disciplinary Committee concluded the hearing and today (Wednesday, 20 June, 2011) imposed a total fine of €20,000 on Mr Cheika, €10,000 of which is to be suspended until 30 June 2013 on condition that Mr Cheika commits no further acts of misconduct in any rugby during that period.

Regarding the first complaint, the independent Disciplinary Committee imposed a fine of €15,000, €7,500 of which was suspended. Regarding the second complaint, a fine of €5,000 was imposed, with €2,500 suspended. Mr Cheika was also found liable for the costs of the hearing.

Chairman, Simon Thomas, said: "In reaching its decision, the independent Disciplinary Committee had at the forefront of its mind one of the core values of rugby, that of respect, which match officials and others involved in the game are entitled to be shown at all times."

Both parties have the right to appeal the decision.

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 person(s) and/or club subject to the misconduct complaint(s).
c) Both parties to the hearing (ERC and the person(s) and/or club subject to the misconduct complaint(s)) have the right to appeal decisions of the independent Disciplinary Committee. Appeals must be lodged within three working days 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 after the disciplinary process has been completed.