Tigers slap a ban on Slater
LEICESTER’S season from hell went from bad to worse yesterday when the Tigers suspended second-row Ed Slater for a fortnight following an internal disciplinary hearing.
Slater was banned for striking an opponent in the first half of Saturday’s Champions Cup 43-0 drubbing by Glasgow at Welford Road.
“Ed has been banned for two weeks and he will miss the Anglo-Welsh Cup ties against Northampton and Saracens. He regrets his actions in the heat of a vital club match and will look forward to his return to action following his suspension,” said a club spokesman.
But Slater could face further action from European disciplinary chiefs having been cited over the incident.
It is the latest mishap to befall Leicester, who have lost their last four matches plus defence coach Scott Hansen and director of rugby Richard Cockerill this season. The nosedive has steepened since Aaron Mauger took over as caretaker coach earlier this month.
“I don’t think anyone thought getting rid of Cockers would instantly turn everything around and make everything hunky dory. That has been proven. Since being in Premiership finals the past couple of years, we’ve faded away,” said Leicester prop Dan Cole.
“This year is probably a cumulation of some things but hopefully, at some point, it might be the kick up the arse we need to rejig and play to our potential.
“If you look at the squad we’ve got, it’s a very good one. We should be better than we are.
“The core of the group – the coaches, the board, the fans, the players – won’t accept being mediocre.”