An independent Disciplinary Committee met in Dublin today (Thursday, 15 January, 2004) to hear two citing complaints lodged with ERC following Round 3 of the Heineken Cup.

The Disciplinary Committee comprised Rob Flockhart (Chairman, SRU) and Iain Goodall (SRU).

The citing complaints were:

1) Ben Gissing (Leinster Lions) was cited by Sale Sharks for alleged stamping in regard to the Leinster Lions v Sale Sharks Pool 3 match played on 9 January, 2004.
The Disciplinary Committee decided that Mr Gissing had no case to answer and dismissed the citing.

2) Andy Titterrell (Sale Sharks) was cited by Leinster Lions for alleged stamping in regard to the Leinster Lions v Sale Sharks Pool 3 match played on 9 January, 2004.
"The Disciplinary Committee, after hearing evidence and watching extensive video footage, decided that an act of foul play had been committed which, if seen by the referee, would have resulted in a red card being issued," said Mr Flockhart

"The Disciplinary Committee took into account Mr Titterrell's record and all other circumstances in deciding on the length of suspension. Mr Titterrell is suspended up to and including 29 February, 2004."
Mr Titterrell has the right of appeal.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

a) A citing complaint must be made in writing and received by the Disciplinary Officer within 50 hours of the start of the match
b) The independent Disciplinary Committee is chosen by the Disciplinary Chairman, Professor Lorne Crerar
c ) No member may be chosen from a country whose club is a party to the complaint
d ) A citing complaint can only be valid where the incident/incidents were not detected by any of the match officials
d ) The citing club has the burden of proving, on the balance of probabilities, that the player cited committed an act of illegal or foul play not detected by the match officials
e ) Both parties are entitled to be present at the hearing
f ) Any appeal of the decision of the Disciplinary Committee must be lodged not more than 72 hours after receipt of written notice of the decision being appealed against