Johnny Sexton’s ‘F–ing disgrace’ comments could still result in a ban
Johnny Sexton could face a ban for his comments launched at referee Jaco Peyper following the Champions Cup final between Leinster and La Rochelle.
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Sexton missed the 27-26 defeat due to injury, but the Leinster captain featured in the headlines after the match over reports of a half-time altercation and a spat with the officials.
Fresh reports have now emerged over his spat with the officials at full-time.
Sexton scolds officials
Sunday newspaper, the Rapport, state that they have obtained footage of the incident that shows Sexton berating the match officials.
According to the report, the Ireland fly-half hurled insults at the officiating team, mostly aimed at referee Peyper and a source quoted Sexton saying, “You are all a f***king disgrace” before walking away to console a teammate.
The source adds that any action from the EPCR and World Rugby will depend on whether Peyper’s assistants – Karl Dickson and Christophe Ridley – will confirm what transpired.
Apparently, Peyper did not hear everything Sexton had to say due to the noise in the stadium as he stood furthest away from the Irishman.
The Rapport contacted Peyper, Leinster, the International Match Officials Group and the EPCR for comment, with only the Irish side responding that they had no comment on the issue.
Ala’alatoa cops a three week ban
Meanwhile, Leinster prop Michael Ala’alatoa has been suspended for three weeks after his sending off during the final.
Peyper red-carded the Samoan international in the 78th minute of the match at the Aviva Stadium for charging into a ruck in a dangerous manner and for making contact with the head area of the La Rochelle prop Georges-Henri Colombe.
He will miss Samoa’s fixtures against Japan on July 22, against Fiji on July 29 and against Tonga on August 5 ahead of the World Cup.
If he applies for and successfully completes a World Rugby Coaching Intervention, he will be available for the clash against Tonga.