O’Connell Cited For Sidoli Incident

Ireland lock Paul O’Connell has been cited for allegedly punching Wales second row Robert Sidoli during the second half of Saturday’s RBS Six Nations clash at the Millennium Stadium.

The lanky duo – who both stand at 6ft 6in – took part in a 54th-minute touchline fracas which English referee Chris White – without a clear view – dismissed with a stern word for the offending parties.

Meanwhile, Italy prop Salvatore Perugini has also been cited for a dangerous tackle on France winger Christophe Dominici in the Azzurri’s 56-13 beating at the hands of Bernard Laporte’s side.

A Six Nations committee statement read: “In accordance with IRB regulation 17 a hearing will be held on Wednesday, 23 March, with the three-man discipline committee chaired by Lorne Crerar (Scotland).”

After viewing the match videos of the incident independent Citing Commissioner Paul Mauriac of France issued his complaints to the committee.

O’Connell has had a Test citing before – the Young Munster giant was cited by Namibian coach Dave Waterson at the 2003 Rugby World Cup for allegedly stamping on Archie Graham in the 64-7 Pool A win for the men in green.

He was subsequently cleared with comissioner Douglas Hunter admitting: “there was no case to answer for on O’Connell’s behalf.”

Italy’s Perugini also found himself in hot water before, with the Calvisano forward banned for 20 weeks after headbutting Ireland scrum-half Peter Stringer in the 2002 Six Nations.