Moody Citation Dismissed by ERC

The citing brought by Leinster against Leicester Tiger flanker Lewis Moody was dismissed by an ERC disciplinary committtee. Leinster brought the charge for an incident

The citing brought by Leinster against Leicester Tiger flanker Lewis Moody was dismissed this by an ERC disciplinary committtee in Dublin on Friday (Feb 8). Leinster brought the charge for an incident in the Heineken Cup quarter-final game in which Moody was clearly seen on TV screens, stamping on the head of Brian O’Driscoll. However the committee found that Lewis’s action was not deliberate.

A statement issued on behalf of the ERC by Westgate sports Agency said.

‘A Disciplinary Committee appointed by ERC convened in Dublin today (8
February, 2002) to hear a citing complaint lodged by Leinster against Leicester Tigers player Lewis Moody following the Heineken Cup quarter-final match at Welford Road on 27 January, 2002. The Leinster citing alleged “a deliberate
stamp on the head/face of Brian O’Driscoll.” The player (Lewis Moody) and his representative accepted that his boot
struck the face of Brian O’Driscoll and caused the injuries suffered by him, but that the contact was accidental.
After studying all the evidence the Disciplinary Committee was not satisfied that on the balance of probabilities that the action by Lewis Moody was deliberate and the citation was dismissed.

While Leicester officials were understandably pleased with the outcome their Premiership colleagues Newcastle Falcons didn’t fare as well. They were found guilty of misconduct for their role in the debacle surrounding their postponed game with Leinster in the Heineken Cup.

The statement issued afterwards said, ‘A Disciplinary Committee appointed by ERC convened in Dublin today (8 February) to hear a misconduct charge against Newcastle Falcons in respect of their Heineken Cup match against Leinster on 5 January, 2002. The Disciplinary Committee found Newcastle Falcons guilty of misconduct in that they failed to use their best endeavours to ensure that the match did not have to be postponed due to adverse ground conditions and that they failed to have an alternative venue in reserve.’ The Disciplinary Committee imposed the following sanctions:

a) a fine of #8,000

b) ordered Newcastle to pay compensation to ERC of #5,000 representing the
fee paid by ERC to procure the alternative venue.

c) ordered payment of #750 cost by Newcastle.

Newcastle have a right of appeal, to be exercised within 72 hours.
A Disciplinary Committee appointed by ERC convened in Dublin today (8
February, 2002) to hear a citing complaint lodged by Leinster against
Leicester
Tigers player Lewis Moody following the Heineken Cup quarter-final match at
Welford Road on 27 January, 2002. The Leinster citing alleged “a deliberate
stamp on thehead/face of Brian O’Driscoll.”
The player (Lewis Moody) and his representative accepted that his boot
struck the face of Brian O’Driscoll and caused the injuries suffered by
him, but that the contact was accidental.
After studying all the evidence the Disciplinary Committee was not satisfied
that on the balance of probabilities that the action by Lewis Moody was
deliberate and the citation was dismissed.
A Disciplinary Committee appointed by ERC convened in Dublin today (8
February) to hear a misconduct charge against Newcastle Falcons in respect
of their Heineken Cup match against Leinster on 5 January, 2002.
The Disciplinary Committee found Newcastle Falcons guilty of misconduct in
that they failed to use their best endeavours to ensure that the match did
not have to be postponed due to adverse ground conditions and that they
failed to have an alternative venue in reserve.
The Disciplinary Committee imposed the following sanctions:
a) a fine of #8,000
b) ordered Newcastle to pay compensation to ERC of #5,000 representing the
fee paid by ERC to procure the alternative venue
c) ordered payment of #750 cost by Newcastle
Newcastle have a right of appeal, to be exercised within 72 hours.