No Munster apology for 'spitgate' allegation
SPOTLIGHT: Should Munster have apologised to Siba Mahashe and the Lions following an accusation of spitting in a player’s mouth?
The alleged incident took place during the Lions’ United Rugby Championship Round 18 clash against Munster in Limerick.
Replacement hooker Diarmuid Barron informed referee Andrea Piardi that rookie Lions flanker Siba Mahashe spat in his mouth around the hour mark in the match.
Following a lengthy consultation with the TMO, no video evidence was found and play continued.
The URC released a statement regarding the incident the following Monday, which cleared Mahashe of any wrongdoing.
- 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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In an online media session on Friday, Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen were asked if Munster had apologised to Mahashe and the Lions following the serious allegation which could have impacted the young loose forward’s image and reputation as a player and human being.
Van Rooyen was candid in his response and defended the 22-year-old breakout loose forward’s character.
“We are thankful [that Siba Mahashe was found innocent],” Van Rooyen said.
“As I mentioned before, it’s not in his character, it’s not who he is, and no one in this team would do something like that deliberately.
“Thankfully, he wasn’t found guilty…whether or not he should’ve been issued an apology is up for [public] debate.
“From our side, we are thankful for the outcome.
“However, I do feel it would’ve been a disgrace had the outcome been different because he is innocent.”
The Lions will face Leinster in their debut URC quarterfinal next week.
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