Rugby players land ban for lewd actions
THE sight of hot air balloons among the Alps will be a common one for the coming week.
Dozens of the balloons took flight yesterday to mark the start of the 39th International Hot Air Balloon Festival in the Swiss mountain resort of Chateau-d’Oex.
More than 50 balloons and 70 pilots from 15 countries will take part in the event.
The festival is famous for the “night-glow” show, where all the balloons make a spectacular sight, lit by their burners, during the evening of the seventh and final day.
Murrayfield. has seen the five barred from all SRU games.
He r i o t’s p re s i d e n t Jo n Turnbull said the Edinburgh club respected the ban but would not be taking any disciplinary action themselves.
He said: “The accusations went through a process with the SRU, and the process resulted in some disciplinary measures which involve not being allowed to attend rugby matches as spectators.
“Heriot’s were happy to acquiesce to that. The SRU have their own disciplinary process which is not the same as that which perhaps exists in the world outside rugby. I don’t know if there’s any admission of guilt. We’ve been happy with the process the SRU has put them through.”
It is understood only one of the men still plays for Heriot’s.
Dunfermline RFC declined to comment, insisting the men were attending the game in a personal capacity.
Lewis Matheson, 26, and Fraser Cowe, 25, were both banned from spectating for 18 weeks, while Niall Campbell was barred for 12 weeks.
Meanwhile, Owen Bright, 25, and Clarke Smith, 24, received six-week bans.
Rugby insiders said the move – imposed as a result of comments made while the players were watching from the stand – was highly unusual.
It’s believed the suspension followed complaints from fellow spectators about the group’s behaviour on the day.
SRU bosses declined to reveal full details about what was said.
An SRU spokesman said: “Scottish Rugby’s Code of Conduct exists to ensure everyone associated with the game respects its values and represents the sport in the correct manner.
“On this occasion the behaviour of those involved was both offensive and inappropriate.
“The length of sanction administered by the Disciplinary Committee reflects the severity of the offence.”
The players could not be reached for comment.
BT Cu p Finals day is described as “the pinnacle of the club rugby season” and sees Murrayfield open its doors to 12 finalist clubs battling across six matches.
Last year’s closing clash saw Heriot’s triumph 21- 13 over Melrose – scooping their second BT Cup in three years.