Alfie gets 4 weeks.

Wee Woman · Post by **Wee Woman** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 5:49 pm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_u ... 310719.stm

browner · Post by **browner** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 5:52 pm

Where

goodaine · Post by **goodaine** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 5:53 pm

browner wrote:Where

Thank God - thought I was going nuts today

Wee Woman · Post by **Wee Woman** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 5:56 pm

Rooster · Post by **Rooster** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 5:56 pm

GARETH THOMAS HEARING
ERC Press Statement - Gareth Thomas independent Disciplinary Hearing

Toulouse player Gareth Thomas appeared before an independent Disciplinary Committee in Dublin today (Thursday, 1 February, 2007) to answer a misconduct complaint arising from the Round 6 Heineken Cup Pool 5 match against Ulster Rugby at Stade Ernest Wallon on Sunday, 21 January.

The player answered a misconduct complaint under the Heineken Cup 2006 / 2007 Disciplinary Rules, in that he allegedly engaged in aggressive exchanges with spectators and / or aggressively attempted to enter one of the seating areas and / or made an offensive hand gesture towards spectators.

The independent Disciplinary Committee, chaired by HHJ Jeff Blackett (England) and also comprising Rod McKenzie (Scotland) and Achille Reali (Italy), found Mr. Thomas guilty of Misconduct under the Heineken Cup Disciplinary Rules 2006 / 2007 in that he:

Â· aggressively attempted to enter one of the seating areas of the stadium; and

Â· made an offensive hand gesture (namely a raised middle finger) toward spectators (by his own admission)

The Committee found Mr. Thomas not guilty of engaging in aggressive exchanges with spectators.

The independent Disciplinary Committee imposed a sanction of four weeks suspension on Mr Thomas from 1 February 2007 up to and including 28 February 2007 and a fine of 7,500 euro. The player will be available to play again on 1 March, 2007.

Both parties have the right to appeal.

NB: The full written decision of the independent Disciplinary Committee is now available on http://www.ercrugby.com/discipline

Notes to Editor

browner · Post by **browner** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 5:58 pm

Where

Rooster · Post by **Rooster** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 6:00 pm

browner wrote:Where

My quote fell of the back of the ERC media lorry

Harold7 · Post by **Harold7** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 6:02 pm

If what has been said about the incident is true i feel a bit sorry for him. I'm sure he won't be backing Brennan up again any time soon.

Gary · Post by **Gary** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 6:03 pm

Guess the news came by chicken post

Pimpmac · Post by **Pimpmac** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 6:05 pm

BBC confirmation here but none on the ERC website maybe it is an alleged ban in their view!!! http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_u ... 310719.stm

ArticDonkey · Post by **ArticDonkey** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 6:08 pm

Wow...I'm sure he is absolutely gutted! Don't feel too sorry for him though, he should have known better. I hope they multiply the fine for Brennan by...a lot...although he's a millionaire according to Uncle G.

Freddie Benson · Post by **Freddie Benson** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 6:09 pm

Rooster wrote: The Committee found Mr. Thomas not guilty of engaging in aggressive exchanges with spectators.

correctly so - in order for there to have been aggressive exchanges, the spectators would have had to have made aggressive gestures towards Thomas, which none did.

I don't believe it's harsh at all. And it does set the tone for the sort of ban Brennan can expect, once he actually gets to a hearing. In the meantime Stade Toulousain must ban Brennan now. Having not done to date is very disappointing, but to continue selecting him is truly appaling.

Gary · Post by **Gary** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 6:19 pm

Seems fair enough to me - he got caught up in something brought about by his "friend" Brennan and is paying for it. He should just be thankful that he was prevented from getting into the crowd.

Ringer · Post by **Ringer** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 6:32 pm

still feel a bit sorry for him. Although he has to answer for his own actions, the incident wouldnt have happened if his "mate" brennan hadnt just knocked seven bells out of a supporter.

Alfie is welsh rugby legend and quite a character by most accounts. Felt he was given a rough ride during the whole ruddock debacle last year and now this.

I think he is due to retire after the world cup and this ban will be enough to stop him reaching the 100 cap mark

Pimpmac · Post by **Pimpmac** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 6:35 pm

Not one piece of sympathy from me - he got exactly what he deserved for being an aggressive nutter in the presence of women and children. Not the kind of example you want on a pitch and he has 4 weeks to cool off and think about his actions - a complete pillock!!