Top 14 – Should Fritz Lee stay on the field despite the investigation for violence? – Fifteen Oval

Accused of violence against a waitress during a post-match party, Fritz Leethird line of ASM Clermont, is the subject of an ongoing investigation. Despite this, the Samoan player started in the last two Top 14 matches.

His presence on the field, while no official suspension has been issued, raises questions.

Accusations of violence during a post-match party

The facts date back to the night of October 19 to 20, after Clermont's large victory against Vannes (55-33) in Top 14. That evening, Fritz Lee and other members of the team celebrated their success in a bar in Clermont-Ferrand.

It was during this evening that the 36-year-old allegedly behaved aggressively towards a waitress, according to a complaint filed by the latter. This report led local authorities to open an investigation, currently underway at the Clermont police station, to shed light on this incident.

The reaction of ASM Clermont-Auvergne

Faced with these accusations, ASM Clermont-Auvergne published a press release recalling its attachment to the exemplary nature of its players, both on and off the field.

The club, through its management, clarified that it does not tolerate any misconduct on the part of its employees, adding that a sanction had already been applied against one of its members without disclosing the details. This positioning of the ASM aims to show its determination to maintain strict discipline and to defend the values ​​of respect and responsibility.

Fritz Lee kept on the ground despite prosecution

Despite the ongoing investigation, Fritz Lee has not been removed from the field. The player continued to play and was even started in the following two league matches, first against Stade Français in Paris, then against Bordeaux-Bègles.

This choice of the ASM, in the absence of additional disciplinary measures, raises questions. Although the presumption of innocence is required, Lee's presence on the field could give rise to criticism regarding the internal management of this type of incident within the club.

The ongoing investigation and its possible repercussions

As the legal process continues, this case could have implications for the player's career depending on its findings. In the event of overwhelming evidence, the Federation or even the club could be required to take stricter sanctions.

This file highlights the dilemmas that clubs may face when faced with the extra-rugby behavior of their players, in a context where exemplary behavior is increasingly demanded by the public and sponsors.