Through a press release, the French Rugby Federation reacted to the comments made by Vannes coach Jean-Noël Spitzer. The latter had strongly criticized Mr. Rousselet's refereeing during the match against UBB at La Rabine. The disciplinary committee has been contacted.
The words of Jean-Noël Spitzer do not sit well with the French Rugby Federation. After a match with an incredible scenario between Vannes and UBB, the Bretons coach presented himself at a press conference targeting the referee of the match Mr. Rousselet: “We arbitrate the status of the clubs. It's frustrating, all your work for the week can be thrown to the ground by this, swept away. We have this feeling, a feeling of inequity. It's easy to put our heads under water, there's this impression that it won't have any consequences.” After these allusions, Spitzer let slip : “It was obvious that the referee was going to change the cursor at the break. We are on Canal +, facing an opponent who is fighting for the title. He was going to rebalance things. It’s not the first time we’ve been refereed like kids.”
Spitzer already suspended at the start of the season
Faced with this declaration, the FFR decided to communicate this Tuesday, in order to denounce the comments made by the Vannes coach: “These comments affect the image of referees and the credibility of the refereeing body, which works tirelessly to guarantee the integrity and smooth running of sports competitions and to progress […] These accusations against the refereeing body only harm the image of our sport.” is it written in a text which details the process of selecting referees in France. The Federation announces that it has made the decision to “refer to the NRL disciplinary committee so that these inappropriate accusations can be examined.”
Spitzer could therefore face a sanction from the disciplinary committee in the coming weeks. In August, he had already been sanctioned with a six-week suspension and a fine of 5,000 euros due to “behavior having disrupted the smooth running of the control and procedure of the French Anti-Doping Agency”.
Jean-Marc LHERMET, Vice-President of the FFR in charge of high level and match officials
“We all have an essential role in promoting respect on the pitch and combating incivility in sport. Referees, coaches, players have an exemplary role to play in promoting respect and fighting against incivility. Training, ascension and refereeing decisions cannot be undermined without foundation. The FFR referral will thus make it possible to take stock of the comments made and to reaffirm the integrity of the arbitration body..”
France
Rugby
