Two Stade Players Cited

Stade Francais players David Attoub and Julien Dupuy have been cited following alleged eye gouging incidents in Ulster’s Heineken Cup Pool 4 win over the French giants at Ravenhill on Saturday.

Stade Francais players David Attoub and Julien Dupuy are due to appear before an independent disciplinary hearing as a result of citings arising from the Heineken Cup Pool 4 match against Ulster at Ravenhill on Saturday.

The citings, lodged by citing commissioner for the match, England’s Tony Lanaway, relate to two incidents involving Ulster flanker Stephen Ferris.

Replacement prop Attoub and scrum half Dupuy have been cited for making alleged contact with the eye or eye area of Ferris in contravention of Law 10.4 (I).

The independent judicial officer, chosen by independent disciplinary panel chairman, Professor Lorne Crerar, will be appointed as soon as practicable.

Commenting on the incidents after the game, Ferris said: “I was at the bottom of a ruck and felt my eyes being tugged at.

“I was furious. There was argy bargy throughout the game, and I don’t mind that, rugby is a physical game.

“I would hate to get anyone cited and if someone hit me a dig in the jaw I would take it and get on with the game, but not when someone goes for your eyes.”

Under the IRB-recommended sanctions for offences committed within the playing enclosure, contact with the eyes/eye area carriers the following penalties:

Lower end: 12 weeks
Middle range: 18 weeks
Top end: 24 weeks+
Maximum sanction: 156 weeks