URC issue 'spitgate' statement after accusation against Lions
NEWS: The outcome of an alleged spitting incident during their 17-24 Round 18 United Rugby Championship loss to Munster has been revealed
Play was stopped around the hour mark when Diarmuid Barron alleged to referee Andrea Piardi that Siba Mahashe spat in his mouth.
Following a lengthy consultation with TMO Stefano Penne, it was deemed that no evidence was found and the case would be referred to the citing commissioner.
In a statement shared on Monday, it was deemed that there is no conclusive evidence against Mahashe for the alleged incident.
*Also read: Munster set up date with Bulls after edging Lions
The statement reads as follows:
URC CITING COMMISSIONER OUTCOME ON ALLEGED SPITTING INCIDENT- MUNSTER V LIONS
- The video evidence is inconclusive, and there is no clear and obvious spitting action by Lions No.6 [Siba Mahashe].
- The audio statement by Munster No.16 [Diarmuid Barron] is clear, and he states that Lions No.6 spat into his mouth, but the audio statement from Lions No.6 contradicts this, and he states that he had trouble with his gum shield after the upright contact before the ruck. He categorically denied the accusation of spitting.
- As there is no video evidence to support the accusation, I am of the opinion that a Citing is not feasible in this case.
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