Misconduct hearing for 'racist rant'
Samoa’s Eliota Sapolu Fuimaono will face a misconduct hearing for breaches of the RWC/IRB Code of Conduct in relation to comments made about referee Nigel Owens via the public social media network Twitter.
These comments were made following the match between Samoa and South Africa held on September 30.
Fuimaono, who accused World Cup officials of ‘slavery’ and ‘apartheid’ in a previous brain explosion, on Saturday accused Welsh referee Nigel Owens of being racist and biased in an expletive-filled Twitter rant.
“I can understand the hate!! Haha good luck u racist biased prick,” tweeted the 30-year-old. (To read the full article, click here!)
The charges brought against the player are for misconduct in breach of section 18 of the Rugby World Cup disciplinary programme and for alleged infractions of the tournament terms of participation.
The charge follows a previous formal warning issued to the Samoa Rugby Union regarding social media conduct by the same player during the World Cup.
The case will be heard by the Independent Judicial Officer Jeff Blackett of England, with the date and time to be confirmed.
