Brennan charged, Ulster supporters face investigation

The ERC, organisers of the Heineken European Cup, are to conduct further investigations into the behaviour of the Ulster supporters in the pool match against Toulouse in Stade Ernest Wallon last weekend.

They are also investigating allegations Toulouse failed to control their players in incidents involving the Ireland secondrow Trevor Brennan and his Welsh international colleague and friend Gareth Thomas.

As expected, Brennan, who stepped over the pitchside wall and got into an altercation with a supporter, Patrick Bamford, will have to answer a misconduct complaint, as will Thomas, who is said to have strongly remonstrated with officials and made obscene gestures to people in the crowd. The charge means Wales could be without their former captain Thomas for their Six Nations opener against Ireland at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday week.

The investigation into the behaviour of Ulster followers was, however, unforeseen.

After the incident, Brennan said fans had thrown beer at him and insulted his mother with profanities. Ulster released a strongly worded statement following the incident, condemning Brennan and alleging he had damaged the game.

Yesterday's ERC statement said: "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."

The statement went on to say Thomas would also answer a misconduct complaint and the ERC would "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."

The independent disciplinary committee is chosen by the chairman of discipline, Prof Lorne Crerar. The panel will consist of a legal expert (the chairman), rugby administrator and former player.

No member of the independent disciplinary committee may be from a country of the clubs involved. The ERC disciplinary officer, Roger O'Connor, will present the case against the players.