Brendan Venter Handed 14-Week Ban
Saracens intend to appeal the 14-week touchline ban handed out to director of rugby, Brendan Venter, after a five-hour RFU disciplinary hearing found him guilty of making inappropriate gestures and comments during the league match against Leicester at Welford Rd on May 8.
The suspension, if upheld, will rule Venter out of playing a part in the biggest day in the history of Saracens, the Guinness Premiership final against Leicester on May 29. Venter was cleared of a charge of pushing a female Leicester spectator.
“We are very disappointed, “ said Saracens chief executive, Edward Griffiths. “It’s ludicrous that the Premiership final should be showcasing the two most passionate and successful current coaches in Brendan and Leicester’s Richard Cockerill, yet only one of them will be allowed to do his job fully and properly.
“We’re delighted, though, that Brendan’s good reputation was upheld when the charge of pushing a female fan was dismissed.”
Venter’s ban comprises ten weeks for the provocative gestures allied to the activation of a previous four-week suspended sentence for critical comments made about officials in January.
Venter is ruled out of touchline action until August 24, a period by and large of inactivity for clubs although various Sevens competitions will take place.
“We were disappointed that he [Venter] didn’t understand the seriousness of what occurred and his behaviour was totally unacceptable,” said the chairman of the three-man RFU disciplinary panel, Judge Jeff Blackett.
Saracens’ profound dismay was only partially offset by news that hooker, Schalk Brits, will be available to play in the Premiership final.
Brits escaped severe censure after pleading guilty to making an abusive gesture as he left the field during the league match against Leicester at Welford Rd. The former Springbok hooker was groggy from a blow to the head and took exception to the crowd jeering him for his slow walk to the touchline. Up went the finger.
Brits, though, took it upon himself to seek out those he had rebuked and apologise. That action, unprompted by any Saracens officials, counted for much. Brits was fined £250 in costs, reprimanded and warned as to his future conduct.
With thanks to the Telegraph.co.uk
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