URC issue statement after player accused of vile on-field act

The URC has issued a statement confirming that no citing will follow the spitting allegation made during Munster’s 24-17 win over the Fidelity SecureDrive Lions.

Play was temporarily halted in the second half after Munster hooker Diarmuid Barron alerted officials, alleging that Lions flanker Sibabalwe Mahashe had spat directly into his mouth at a ruck.

Referee Andrea Piardi consulted TMO Stefano Penne for available footage, though no replay was shown on the stadium broadcast.

Munster head coach Clayton McMillan backed Barron’s account after the match, stating he had no reason to doubt the player.

“He’s been around a long time and we’re not a team that plays silly buggers, so you’d imagine he felt or he saw what he saw,” McMillan said.

“We only have three or four angles available to us. I’m sure others might have a look at it but that’s not our job to do now.

“Other people will have a look and if there’s something there to see, then they’ll deal with it, and if there isn’t, then we’ll move forward.

“But in terms of Diarmuid’s integrity, that’s not in question.”

He was also backed by captain Craig Casey.

The incident was subsequently reviewed by the Citing Commissioner, with the URC confirming that no disciplinary action would be taken after inconclusive video evidence.

The URC statement reads: “The allegation of spitting that occurred in the Munster versus Fidelity SecureDrive Lions on Saturday, May 16 was reviewed the Citing Commissioner, Eugene Ryan (IRFU). Having examined all available camera angles, the video footage was inconclusive and there was no clear and obvious unsportsmanlike conduct by Lions No.6.

In particular: “The audio statement by No 16 of Munster is clear and he states that No 6 of Lions spat into his mouth but the audio statement from No.6 Lions contradicts this and he states that he had trouble with his gum shield after the upright contact before the ruck. He categorically denied the accusation of spitting.”

“As such no citing is feasible in this case.”