Chabal cops it
For his outburst against referees of the French Top 14, Sébastien Chabal has received a long and complicated suspension though basically it is for 60 days.
Just before the launch of his autobiography, Ma petite étoile (My little star), Chabal had an interview with Le Journal du Dimanche in which he attacked referees, saying they were useless and biased and drove him mad.
He apologised and his club, Racing-Métro, suspended him for two weeks. Now he has been heard by a disciplinary committee of the Ligue Nationale de Rugby, the body in charge of professional rugby in France.
The committee decided on a suspension of 60 days though it will not be in force during the ‘interseason’, the period between Racing’s last match and Racing’s first friendly of the 2011-12 season. The date on which Chabal is allowed to start playing again will be determined later as Racing will be in the semifinals of the Top 14 and possibly in the Final.
Chabal is in a position to reduce his suspension to 30 days. if he agrees to take part in certain activities before 31 December 2011 – attend a referees’ training programme with the Ile de France (Paris) referees’ society and referee at least three Under-17 matches.
Chabal has until 18 May to inform the chairman of the disciplinary committee of his intentions.
If he does not accept the conditions, Chabal will be required to serve the whole sentence of 60 days.
Chabal said afterwards: “I am sad and disappointed, as playing in the World Cup was my last goal as part of the French team. Knowing that that is perhaps over, I have had a knot in my stomach. There has been a lot of pressure on me, for I am always watched, criticised and commented on. The tiniest thing I did on the field evoked discussion.
“Today I feel lighter. I am sad but I feel lighter.
“I will be in front of the TV supporting my pals, because I have lived four wonderful years with this team and all the players who make it up are my pals.”
* Chabal is not on the French list for the World Cup.
