IRFU Disciplinary Hearing
The Irish Rugby Football Union Disciplinary Appeal Panel held a hearing to rule on an appeal by Shannon RFC against sanctions imposed on the club following a case of misconduct after the AIB League Division 1A match between Shannon RFC and Cork Constitution FC on December 5, 2009.
The initial disciplinary hearing related to verbal abuse of the match referee and officials following the game. The hearing was chaired by Hugh Logan, who was assisted by Philip Orr and Michael Coghlan.
Shannon RFC was found guilty of misconduct and the following sanctions were imposed on the club:
• Fine Shannon RFC the sum of €;25,000.00, which shall be payable on or before March 31, 2010 to the IRFU Charitable Trust.
• Immediate deduction of six AIB League points from Shannon RFC in the event of there being a finding of misconduct against Shannon RFC on or before May 31, 2010.
The IRFU Disciplinary Appeal Panel reviewed the case and submissions by Shannon RFC as part of their appeal.
The IRFU Disciplinary Appeal Panel took the view that that the charges of misconduct were of a very serious nature and any mitigating factors submitted on behalf of Shannon RFC did not warrant any alteration of the sanctions imposed by the Disciplinary Panel on December 17, 2009.
In the circumstances, the decision of the Disciplinary Panel is confirmed and the appeal is not allowed.