Brennan and Thomas to face the music

Toulouse duo Trevor Brennan and Gareth Thomas have been summoned to appear before an independent Disciplinary Committee to answer misconduct complaints following the French side’s controversial Heineken Cup clash against Ulster in France on Sunday.

The move comes following an initial investigation by European Rugby Cup (ERC) disciplinary officer Roger O’Connor.

Brennan, a former Ireland lock, allegedly assaulted Ulster supporter Patrick Bamford after leaving the playing area at Stade Ernest Wallon and climbing into a seated area.

Thomas, the former captain of Wales and the Lions, is alleged to have engaged in what ERC term “aggressive exchanges with spectators” and/or “aggressively attempted to enter one of the seating areas” and/or “made an offensive hand gesture towards spectators.”

While Brennan is no longer part of the Irish set-up, Thomas remains an integral part of Wales’s Six Nations plans, with their tournament opener just ten days away.

If the complaints are proved, both players could expect a ban and fine.

The ERC’s statement in full:

Following an initial investigation by ERC into an incident involving Toulouse players and Ulster Rugby supporters, Toulouse players Trevor Brennan and Gareth Thomas will be requested to appear before an independent Disciplinary Committee.

Following an initial investigation by ERC into an incident involving Toulouse players and Ulster Rugby supporters during the Heineken Cup Round 6 Pool 5 match between Toulouse and Ulster Rugby at Stade Ernest Wallon on Sunday, 21 January 2007, Toulouse players Trevor Brennan and Gareth Thomas will be requested to appear before an independent Disciplinary Committee to answer misconduct complaints arising from the incident.
Misconduct Complaints

Trevor Brennan will answer a misconduct complaint under the Heineken Cup 2006/2007 Disciplinary Rules, in that he allegedly entered one of the seating areas of the stadium and assaulted a spectator during the Toulouse and Ulster Rugby match.

Gareth Thomas will answer a misconduct complaint under the Heineken Cup 2006/2007 Disciplinary Rules, in that he allegedly engaged in aggressive exchanges with spectators and/or aggressively attempted to enter one of the seating areas and/or made an offensive hand gesture towards spectators.

The Independent Disciplinary Committee will be appointed as soon as is practicable.

Further Investigation:

ERC will conduct further investigation into the behaviour of a section of Ulster Rugby’s supporters at the match and Toulouse’s (Stade Toulousain) alleged failure to control their players with regard to the incident.

A decision on any Misconduct Complaints to be brought against the Clubs involved will be made following the conclusion of the investigation.

Independent Disciplinary Committee:

a) The independent Disciplinary Committee is chosen by the Chairman of Discipline, Professor Lorne Crerar
b) The panel normally consists of a legal expert (Chairman), rugby administrator and former player
c) No member of the independent Disciplinary Committee may be chosen from a country of the clubs involved
d) The ERC Disciplinary Officer, Roger O’Connor, presents the case against the player, Toulouse players Trevor Brennan and Gareth Thomas will be requested to appear before an independent Disciplinary Committee to answer misconduct complaints arising from the incident.

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