Racing's ref-basher banned

 

Labit will be banned from all access to grounds, dressing-rooms and entry areas in all Top 14 and European Cup games up until February 15, the French Rugby League Union announced.

 

Racing Metro were also hit with a 50,000 euros fine for his words which were seen as tainting the reputation and integrity of South African referee Jacob Van Heerden.

 

Labit had been incensed by several decisions of Van Heerden, who awarded a disputed try to Stade Francais and handed out two yellow cards to Racing players, in the hotly-contested Paris derby match on October 11.

 

He notably accused the official of "amateurism" and of staging a "holdup."

 

Racing's Irish assistant coach Ronan O'Gara was also handed a two-match suspension for criticising the officials at the end of the match.