Clermont livid over Nalaga citing
Clermont vice-president Jean-Marc Lhermet is furious over the citing of Napolioni Nalaga following the opening round of the European Cup.
Nalaga was yellow carded during the second half of the match against Racing Metro after his knee struck Marc Andreu.
The Fiji wing was subsequently cited by citing commissioner John West (Ireland), whose complaint was referred by ERC disciplinary officer, Roger O'Connor, to a 'gatekeeper' for review.
The gatekeeper, Douglas Hunter, considered the evidence and found that in his opinion the incident warranted a red card and that the citing should proceed, much to the chagrin of Lhermet, who slammed the decision.
"The yellow card was already ridiculous!" an irate Lhermet told Midi Olympique.
"This decision has reached a new milestone in of our sport. Rugby is a contact sport, at no time is Nap [Nalaga] deliberately trying to hurt the opposing player who throws himself into his lap.
"I am willing to meet these gentlemen behind their desks so that they can explain to me the decision. We want all the text of the IRB which states that it is forbidden to lift your knees when you run."
Antony Davies (England) has been appointed as the independent judicial officer for the hearing, which will take place in Dublin on Thursday.
Four other players will face disciplinary hearings on Thursday.
Perpignan centre Lifeimi Mafi was issued a red card by referee Leighton Hodges (Wales) for a dangerous tackle on Gloucester centre Ryan Mills in contravention of Law 10.4(j), while tighthead prop Samson Lee has been cited after he was yellow carded by referee John Lacey (Ireland) for allegedly stamping on Harlequins scrumhalf Danny Care.
In the Challenge Cup, Bordeaux-Bègles second row Adam Jaulhac is alleged to have punched or struck Springbok and Bath flank Francois Louw and Bath replacement Ollie Devoto is alleged to have head-butted Bordeaux-Bègles wing Blair Connor.
