Ulster asked to state case on racism allegation

ERC have directed London Irish and Ulster to submit depositions outlining their stance on an alleged racial incident involving two players, Exiles wing Delon Armitage and Ulster secondrow Matt McCullough, during the European Cup match at Ravenhill last Friday night.

Under the heading "Allegation of use of abusive and racist remarks", European club rugby's governing body issued a statement: "Following receipt of a formal communication from London Irish with regard to the alleged use of abusive and racist language against one of their players by an Ulster Rugby player in the Heineken Cup fourth-round match at Ravenhill . . . ERC has now opened an investigation.

"ERC's disciplinary officer Roger O'Connor has written to both clubs asking them to supply full details of the alleged incident by January 3rd, 2007.

"The disciplinary officer will closely review all the evidence to determine if there are grounds to proceed with a misconduct complaint."

Meanwhile, Munster are to appeal the six-week suspension of flanker Alan Quinlan for stamping in the European Cup match at Thomond Park last Saturday. Quinlan was reported by the citing commissioner, and an independent disciplinary committee ruled he should serve a six-week ban.

Munster have 72 hours after receiving the official censure in writing - they had not received it by yesterday afternoon - to lodge a complaint. While the official line was they would review options, it is understood they will appeal a ban they consider severe.

Quinlan has been suspended from all rugby until January 30th.