SARU
SA Rugby boss, Mark Alexander, has called for strong actions against individuals and clubs after an Eastern Cape match referee was assaulted and players fought during a club match in Port Alfred over the weekend.
"Rugby club members who abuse or assault referees should expect to be banned from the game and action taken against their clubs," Alexander said.
His strong words come after EP Rugby condemned the incidents that occurred during a game between Kowie United and Swallows RFC last Saturday.
Alexander said he would be writing to all 15 member unions to urge their disciplinary committees to take the strongest possible action against those who assault or verbally abuse match officials.
"These hot-headed thugs who physically assault officials have no place in the sport and should be banned for life from participating or attending," he said.
"Attacks on referees are rare but when they occur provinces must not hesitate to act," he said. "These attacks have been condemned by the relevant unions and I trust they will follow through by bringing these matters before disciplinary committees.
"I shall be repeating our message of 'zero tolerance' for such behaviour with our members."
