RFU 'disappointed' by Saracens over Venter

Brendan Venter
12 April 2012

The Rugby Football Union have hit back at criticism from Saracens over the manner in which their director of rugby Brendan Venter was handed a misconduct charge.

The former South Africa centre received a 14-week touchline ban on Tuesday after being found guilty of making inappropriate gestures and comments to spectators during his side's 32-23 win at Leicester on May 8. Saracens leapt to Venter's defence upon the news of his charges, but the RFU have responded strongly, describing the club's reaction as "disappointing".

The RFU's written judgment from Venter's disciplinary hearing read: "The response of the Saracens management to these proceedings has been very disappointing and statements on their website criticising these proceedings do the club no credit."

It continued: "Their staff were clearly involved in some unpleasant events on 8 May which could have led to significant crowd trouble, but they have sought to lay blame elsewhere. All clubs have a responsibility to maintain the core values of the game and to ensure their staffs' conduct is exemplary.

"On this occasion Saracens should have done more to ensure better behaviour amongst their own staff and to reprimand them for their poor behaviour afterwards."

Saracens released a statement when Venter was charged, which quoted chief executive Ed Griffiths as saying: "It is astonishing that the RFU has brought and publicised these charges after requesting statements only from Leicester supporters and stewards and so hearing only one side of the story.

"Brendan, a medical doctor, is rightly appalled that charges have been brought before anybody has even had the courtesy of speaking to him."

But the RFU have dismissed this complaint, pointing out that the statements they had gathered meant Venter would have faced a disciplinary hearing regardless of any counter-arguments from the Vicarage Road club.

"Any criticism that they should first have interviewed Saracens staff before deciding to lay the charge is unfounded," said Judge Jeff Blackett in his summary comments. "There was sufficient evidence from the complainant and others to provide a strong prima facie case and gathering contrary statements would not have prevented a hearing.

"In fact, by listing an early hearing, Saracens was galvanised into action to gather other statements. It was much more important to the image of the sport, and it was in both Dr Venter and the RFU's best interests, that this case was brought expeditiously. We are satisfied that there has been no procedural unfairness."

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