Pau head coach Sébastien Piqueronies faces a lengthy ban after his altercation with referee Sam Grove-White after his side’s Challenge Cup loss to the Cheetahs on Saturday.
The EPCR confirmed on Tuesday that they received a citing complaint Piqueronies, who is alleged to have physically abused the referee, Sam Grove-White – the complaint was made by the match Citing Commissioner.
The incident
Following Pau’s 16-21 loss to the Cheetahs in the Challenge Cup opener, Piqueronies confronted referee Grove-White and grabbed the official’s arm.
The Scottish match official can be heard saying, “get your hands off me” to the Pau boss.
A citing complaint has been made against Pau head coach Sébastien Piqueronies for physically abusing referee Sam Grove-White. pic.twitter.com/u3uZ0vKHS9
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) December 13, 2022
The viaplay commentators described the incident as Grove-White being ‘manhandled’ Piqueronies adding that it was ‘bizarre, unnecessary, and totally inappropriate.’
The build-up
In the final five minutes of the encounter, just two points separated the Cheetahs and Pau, with the South Africans leading 16-18.
After fielding a kick in his own half, Pau replacement back Mathias Colombet looked to counter but was wrapped up and attempted an offload, only for it to go to ground and was pounced on by Oupa Mohoje.
Colombet spotted the ball was out at the back of the ruck but did not retreat far enough backwards and was adjudged to have been offside, handing the Cheetahs the opportunity to extend their lead, which they took.
The Cheetahs fielded the restart and hung onto the ball, winding down the clock. In the game’s final act, Mikael Capelli looked to have pilfered over the ball, and his teammates appealed for not releasing, but Grove-White disagreed and the Cheetahs were able to clear the ball out and seal the win.
Hefty ban awaits Piqueronies
Pau’s head coach faces a hefty ban if he is found guilty of contravening Law 9.13.
Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.28 relating to physical abuse of a match official carries a low-end entry sanction point of 24 weeks, a mid-range of 48 and a top-end of 96+ weeks.
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He will learn his fate when he faces the independent Disciplinary Committee on Wednesday.
Creevy, Nche, Warwick, Mohoje, and Maddison citings
Meanwhile, Cheetahs’ back rower Oupa Mohoje has also been cited from the same match for a tackle he made on Yvan Reilhac in the 26th minute.
Newcastle Falcons hooker Charlie Maddison has also been cited for allegedly striking Connacht Rugby scrum-half Caolin Blade with his head. He could face a minimum suspension of six weeks.
In the Champions Cup, Ox Nche was red-carded against Harlequins and faces the Disciplinary Committee on Tuesday, as will London Irish hooker Agustin Creevy who was sent off against Montpellier.
Finally, Ulster prop Andrew Warwick has been cited for his tackle on Manu Tuilagi, which forced the Sale Sharks centre off the pitch on Sunday. He was not sanctioned on the day but could still be suspended.