Champions Cup: just a fine for the Saracens

2020-02-07T23:04:11.121Z

The Saracens were fined 50,000 euros, including 25,000 euros suspended until the end of the 2020/2021 season, following an independent disciplinary hearing in London this evening relating to the match of the 6th Day of Champions Cup against Racing 92.

Earlier this week, the Saracens informed the EPCR that one of their renowned players, American international Titi Lamositele, who appeared on the scoresheet and entered the field as a substitute in the 60th minute meeting at Allianz Park was potentially ineligible due to an inadvertent administrative error by the club. The independent commission was lenient in not giving the Saracens a lost game with zero points and an improved victory for Racing 92, which would have changed the table for the quarterfinals. Racing 92 will move to Clermont and Leinster will receive the Saracens.

"The commission believes that this is a regrettable succession of events caused by an oversight of an administrative nature."

Roger Morris

The chairman of this independent commission, Welshman Roger Morris, said: "The commission believes that this is an unfortunate succession of events caused by an oversight of an administrative nature and that this offense constitutes misconduct which can be settled proportionately with a financial penalty. ”The Saracens and the EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.

In a press release, Racing 92 reacted to the EPCR's complaint against the Saracens which could lead to the elimination of the defending champions. The Ile-de-France club is primarily concerned since it was during his defeat on the lawn of the London club that the non-eligible player was aligned. “This new possible infraction is likely to significantly upset the classification of the qualifying phases of the Champions Cup 2020. (…) Racing 92 is surprised not to have been contacted when it is concerned by a new breach by the club of Saracens, insists Racing in its press release. As a reminder, when such an offense takes place during a TOP14 match, the club concerned is assessed the “lost match” sanction, to which is added -2 points in the ranking and 0 mark points. As for the injured club, it “won match” with +5 points in the standings and 25 mark points. While regretting not having been informed earlier of this infraction, Racing 92 is already taking all measures to enforce its rights and the sporting fairness of the competition. ”