Yahoo News Castrogiovanni Fined For Leicester Rant
Prop Martin Castrogiovanni has been fined £7,900 and given a suspended four-match ban for comments he made in the wake of Toulon’s defeat to Leicester.
Castrogiovanni gave his own impromptu press conference in the wake of Toulon’s Champions Cup defeat to the Tigers at Welford Road on December 7.
He then delivered an astonishing rant about Leicester – his former club - and their Director of Rugby Richard Cockerill.
Castrogiovanni joined Toulon from Leicester under something of a cloud, and the Italian was at pains to point out that he paid £100,000 to be released from his Welford Road contract.
The Italian called Leicester ‘amateurs’ but the disciplinary panel in London accepted his explanation that he was being ironic.
A statement from the panel read: “The misconduct complaint against Castrogiovanni was that after the match he made a number of comments to the media in which he attacked, disparaged, criticised, damaged and/or brought into disrepute Leicester Tigers, the club's Director of Rugby, Richard Cockerill, EPCR, the European Rugby Champions Cup and the sport of rugby union in contravention of the Disciplinary Rules of the European Rugby Champions Cup Participation Agreement 2014-15.
“After considering evidence and hearing submissions on behalf of Castrogiovanni, who pleaded guilty, and on behalf of the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, the independent Disciplinary Committee found that Castrogiovanni was guilty of misconduct and that the comments made were utterly indefensible.”
A statement from Castrogiovanni’s representatives read: “The panel found that rather than accusing Leicester of being amateurs his comment was ironic and questioning, implying no criticism of Leicester Tigers whatsoever.
“Castro is relieved that the panel accepted his explanation as to his remarks since he has always and continues to have a strong love for the club. It was accepted that Castro was genuinely remorseful for his comments after the match and this is reflected in the panels sanctioning.
“Castro has been ordered to pay 10,000 euros (£8,900) to a charity or charities of his choice based in the city of Leicester. Castro is happy that charities associated with Leicester will benefit from this.
“Castro was also suspended for four matches but that suspension itself is suspended until the end of 2015-16 season provided that there is no further off-field misconduct.
“Castro would like to thank Toulon, the fans and the president for their continued support throughout this time and he now wishes to put this behind him and concentrate on being a success for the club on the field.”
Castrogiovanni appeared before an independent Disciplinary Committee made up of Antony Davies (England, Chairman), Roger Morris (Wales) and Pat Barriscale (Ireland),
