An independent Disciplinary Committee composed of Chairman, Simon Thomas (Wales), Jean-Noël Couraud (France) and Rhian Williams (Wales), convened in London on 30 December 2019 under EPCR’s Disciplinary Rules to hear a misconduct complaint against the Sale Sharks Director of Rugby, Steve Diamond, arising from his club’s Heineken Champions Cup, Round 3 fixture against Exeter Chiefs.

The independent panel found that, during his post-match duties following the match at the AJ Bell Stadium on Sunday 8 December, Steve Diamond made comments that had the effect of insulting the match officials, and that these comments had the potential to bring the sport of rugby union, the Heineken Champions Cup, and/or EPCR, into disrepute.

The independent Disciplinary Committee took into account Steve Diamonds timely admission of wrongdoing, in addition to his numerous subsequent public comments and apologies to the team of Match Officials for any offence caused.

They determined that Steve Diamond be given a formal reprimand and fined him €3,000 (payable immediately).

MPU – In article – English