Sebastien Chabal gets two month suspension for referee criticism – Rugby news
Days after his exclusion from the French 2011 Rugby World Cup squad, Sebastien Chabal has been suspended from the game for two months for his outburst against the referees and refereeing standards during the French domestic rugby season.
French Rugby Federation (FFR) last month demanded the Ligue National de Rugby (LNR) disciplinary commission summon the Racing Metro’s star to elaborate upon his comments in which he questioned the refereeing standards and accused the French Top 14 referees
of being biased.
LNR later summoned the French international to appear before the commission under the charges of trying to "harm the greater interest of rugby" and face the risk of a potential life ban.
Chabal appeared before the commission earlier today in Paris and the committee decided to hand over a two months suspension.
LNR disciplinary committee further announced in their statement to reduce the ban to 30 days “if Chabal agrees to carry out activities in the general interest, including helping with the development of young players,”
Sebastien Chabal in an interview to a French newspaper claimed that referees have a soft spot for Biarritz and Castres. In his opinion, it is because of the fact that current and ex-management of both these clubs has remained involved or is currently involved
in running the affairs of LNR.
Chabal appeared before the commission earlier today after serving a two-week suspension handed over by his Club Racing Metro on April 27, 2011.
The 33-year-old France back-row forward Sebastien Chabal in the televised program on French Television RTL has already apologized for his comments and termed them to be taken in out of the context at first place.
Chabal further commented in his autobiography, where he talks about the Top 14 refereeing in good terms. He said, “I’m sorry that this caused controversy. I’m sorry if people were hurt. I apologise for it because I didn’t want to attack anyone.”
Racing-Metro president Jacky Lorenzetti has expressed his utter disappointment with the decision. He said, “"We knew that the disciplinary commission was going to sanction him but it's very, very heavy."
Jacky Lorenzetti has confirmed that they will stand behind Sebastien and will appeal against the suspension. He further added, “We felt disappointment because Sebastien opened his hearing with the words 'I am sorry'.”
Racing Metro coach, Pierre Berbizier has also expressed his disappointment over the suspension news.
The suspension has ruled Chabal out of the Racing Metro’s French Top 14 play-offs including the semi-final in Marseille on May 28.
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