Munster cite Mustoe for Horan incident

Munster have cited Neath-Swansea Ospreys winger Richard Mustoe following an incident in the Heineken Cup match last Sunday.

Munster had until 5pm yesterday to lodge their complaint over an incident that left the Irish international with seven stitches in a facial wound. Horan returned to the field of play, and indeed went on to make a strong impression after the incident.

The incident occurred when Horan was supporting winger Anthony Horgan. He was early-tackled by Mustoe, and reacted to this. Mustoe, jumping over Horan, lying on the ground, appeared to drop his knee slightly before flicking out with his boot, catching Horan in the face with his studs.

Mustoe was yellow carded by referee Joel Jutge at the time of the incident, but this was for the early tackle only, both referee and touch judge not seeing the latter incident.

Ordinarily, if a referee takes disciplinary action at the time, then the incident will not be eligible for further disciplinary action after the match. However, as Mustoe was yellow carded for the early tackle and not the footwork, he can be cited.

The citing procedure in this year’s tournament has been amended. There is now an independent citing officer appointed by ERC, who will assess whether or not there is a case to answer. If there is, a disciplinary panel will be comprised and an independent prosecuting officer, rather than Munster, would press the case. This follows the development of a pattern of ‘tit for tat’ citings.