ERC STATEMENTS - OSPREYS V TIGERS

[Nik]

Here is the latest statement made by the ERC today:

http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/5019_15205.php

[Nik]

Ospreys hearing
27 January 2010, 12:29 pm

ERC Disciplinary Officer, Roger O'Connor, has now completed his investigation into the allegation that the Ospreys had 16 players on the pitch during the second half of the Heineken Cup Pool 3 Round 6 match between the Ospreys and Leicester Tigers at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea, on Saturday, 23 January 2010.
As part of his investigation he reviewed statements from the Ospreys, Leicester Tigers and the Match Officials and also reviewed footage of the incident.

Following his investigation the Disciplinary Officer has made Misconduct complaints against Ospreys full back Lee Byrne (No 15) and the Ospreys club.

The independent Disciplinary Committee appointed to hear the case in Dublin on Friday, 29 January, 2010, will be chaired by Pat Barriscale (Ireland), and also include Jean-Noel Couraud (France) and Mark McParland (Ireland).

[jamiewilkinson]

http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/5019_15205.php

the hearing is on friday, i hope they dont forget the match officials reaction to the discovery

[crateman]

No mention of the match officials then, or would that be dealt with in camera?

The speed with which they are acting is interesting, also the fact that BYrne is mentioned individually, as well as the club.

[Smudge]

So the Judges in this case are two Irish and one French.
Don't hold your breath folks.

[Bill W (2)]

A case to answer then, but I suspect 'Misconduct' carries a specific punishment tariff, probably light! Anyone know amongst the sages? And yes I know I could look it up somewhere.

18.6.1 Upon finding a breach of the Bye-Laws and/or Regulations, or that an
offence pursuant to Regulation 18.1.1 (a) to (d) inclusive has been
committed, Judicial Officers and Judicial Committees shall be entitled to
impose such penalties as they think fit. Such penalties may include, but
shall not be limited to:
(a) a caution, warning as to future conduct, reprimand and/or a fine;
(b) a suspension for a specified number of Matches and/or a specified
period; a requirement that a Match or Matches be played with the
exclusion of the public; the cancellation of a Match result and, where
appropriate, the replaying of a Match; the forfeiture of a Match or
matches and/or tie(s); the deduction or cancellation of points; the
immediate or future expulsion or suspension from a tournament(s) or
competition(s); or any such similar sanctions;
(c) cancellation or refusal of the registration of any Person registered in
contravention of the Regulations;
(d) a recommendation to the Council that a Union or Association be
expelled or suspended from Membership of the Board. Subject to the
provisions of Bye-Law 6(d), only the Council shall be competent to
expel or suspend a Union or Association and any such expulsion or
suspension shall only have effect if approved by a two-thirds
majority of the votes cast at a properly convened and quorate Council
meeting;
(e) an order that any Union, Association, Rugby Body, Club or Person
pay compensation and/or restitution;
(f) the withdrawal of other benefits or membership of the Board,
including, but not limited to, the right to apply to host International
Tournaments; and
(g) any combination of the penalties set out in 18.6.1(a) to (f) above.
18.6.2 Judicial Officers and Judicial Committees shall be entitled to make such
order in relation to cost as is deemed appropriate;
18.6.3 In determining the appropriate penalty under these Regulations, a Judicial
Officer or Judicial Committee shall be entitled to take account of
mitigating and/or aggravating circumstances. Aggravating circumstances
shall include, but shall not be limited to, the repetition of a breach of a
particular Bye-Law or Regulation.

[Richard]

It seems like this hearing is just for the Ospreys and Lee Byrne..Is the referee going to get away Irish(was going to put Scot) free.

[Bill W (2)]

It seems like this hearing is just for the Ospreys and Lee Byrne..Is the referee going to get away Irish(was going to put Scot) free.

It is open to the Disciplinary Panel to criticise the referee.

It is not open to the Disciplinary Officer to bring charges against the referee before a Disciplinary Panel.

My guess would be that Mr. Lewis could find himself demoted - unless it is shown that Ospreys deliberate tried to mislead him.

[Suz]

It is open to the Disciplinary Panel to criticise the referee.

It is not open to the Disciplinary Officer to bring charges against the referee before a Disciplinary Panel.

My guess would be that Mr. Lewis could find himself demoted - unless it is shown that Ospreys deliberate tried to mislead him.

If this turns out to be the case I still think Mr Lewis has a case to answer in the way he spoke to the Ospreys offical

[Bill W (2)]

I still think Mr Lewis has a case to answer in the way he spoke to the Ospreys offical

Again it is open to the panel to comment on this.

[Bill W (2)]

Thanks for the regs Bill. Was at work in the middle of something so couldn't do it myself. Still feel Lewis and 4th official at fault, and Byrne individually, not much Ospreys as a club did anything.

Presumably the DO does.

We shall find out after Friday. I nearly typed on Friday - but of course the hearig will be adjourned!

[palletman]

Give the ref a break.Having been a footie ref in the past he had a good game.a game that ment so much to so many people.As he was hyped up for doing his job he would not find it funny to be hood-winked or dare we say conned by the goings on.If, as quoted after speaking to the officials on the line,the ref was told by an Osprey player that Tigers also had 16 on the pitch I do not care who you are but this would throw the track etc in your mind, dealing with one problem now another to sort and a game to get underway.And the pressure building.
I have my feelings about what went on and why. ERC also by there statement are aware of what might have gone on and why! Let them sort it out, accept the outcome and lets get on with it.Sorry to say but we lost the Group at home against the Ospreys. We should have had it all rapped up before we went to Wales. Stated before that we need help at the top of the squad, need to gel just that bit better and gel a bit quicker.Cockers is a fantastic forwards coach but feel he needs help with the whole lot.
So please do not blame the referee for our failings, look a little closer to home and if ERC go our way we get out of jail!!!! If not accept it and lets get on with it.

[kingol22]

if an ospreys player misled the ref then that player should be handed a lengthy ban also the fourth official should be sacked for letting byrne on.