RFU statement on Coventry

THE Rugby Football Union has decided to take no action against Coventry RFC following events at the Championship match against Moseley RFC on October 2.

A spectator attempted to strike the referee in the tunnel area at the Butts Park Arena after the final whistle and both Coventry and the RFU subsequently undertook thorough investigations.

After reviewing reports from the referee, his assistants and Coventry, it has been decided that following the incident, which occurred spontaneously and without warning, the club:

• Acted appropriately to try and protect the match officials

• Instigated an ongoing search for the culprit, which has included articles on their website, in the local press and match day programme

• Will ban the culprit, if identified and on the establishment of guilt, from the Butts Park Arena

• Have expressed their regret to the referee

In addition, if the culprit is identified as a member of the club, the RFU will potentially bring action against that individual under Rule 5.12 for bringing the game into disrepute.

RFU Disciplinary Officer Judge Jeff Blackett said:

"Match official abuse is one of the most serious offences which strikes at the heart of discipline in rugby football. It is abhorred in all sports. Match officials are fundamental to participation and enjoyment and must be respected and protected.

Those who are found guilty of match official abuse will be dealt with severely.

"This was an unfortunate, although isolated, incident which is not usual in rugby football. However we did consider carefully whether to charge the club with failing to control their crowd but decided that disciplinary action against the club was unnecessary.

I am confident that the club acted appropriately to safeguard the officials and have done all they could to indentify and find the alleged culprit.

Nevertheless I require them to review their arrangements relating to the passage of players and officials to and from the dressing rooms to ensure that any risk of future offences of this kind is minimised."