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Newcastle DoR Steve Diamond cops ban over 'wholly unacceptable' comments
By Neil Fissler
Newcastle Falcons’ Director of Rugby Steve Diamond has been handed a six-match ban by the RFU following his side’s controversial defeat to bottom-of-the-table rivals Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park in March.
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Diamond admitted directing verbal abuse at match officials following the Falcons’ 17–15 loss, when he felt Greg Fisilau’s try should have been disallowed due to an illegal clear-out by Tamati Tua several phases earlier.
He landed himself in hot water with the authorities but admitted the offence when he appeared before the panel chaired by Sam Hillas KC, sitting with panel members Becky Essex and Martyn Wood.
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“There was a clear act of foul play in the buildup to the try. I don’t know for the life of me why the TMO doesn’t have a look at it at least. I didn’t see it live … but on the first replay I’ve seen, it’s ridiculous.
“Callum Chick asked the ref to check it, but nothing. If we are going to take foul play out of the game then let’s not waste time and just look at forward passes to see whether a try is a try. I am disappointed th the officials,” he said.
The panel were highly critical of Diamond in their summation of the case.
“Mr Diamond accepted that his conduct was prejudicial to the interests of the game. The two issues for the Panel were, firstly, whether the words used towards the TMO amounted to disrespect or verbal abuse of a match official.”
“And secondly, whether the circumstances of what happened after the match gave rise to two separate charges. The Panel determined that Mr Diamond’s course of conduct should be dealt with as one charge of verbal abuse.
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“Mr Diamond’s behaviour on 29 March was wholly unacceptable: the language used was inappropriate, abusive and entirely contrary to rugby’s core values.
“There is no place for abuse of match officials, and this applies with equal force whether dealing with the professional or community game.
“Mr Diamond has, quite rightly, apologised to the match officials for his conduct on the day, and the panel has made it clear that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated and should not be repeated.
“This offence was charged as a breach of RFU Rule 5.12 and, as such, the panel was not bound by the sanctions table. The panel had regard to the entry points for breaches of Law 9.28 (match official abuse) as well as the relevant mitigating and aggravating features and determined a ban of six weeks was proportionate in all the circumstances,” said Hillas in a statement the RFU released on Friday evening.
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It’s a total joke that Steve Diamond ( straight talking ) has to have a KC to represent him . He knows when he cools down , he probably got over excited . All this legalese about bringing the game into disrepute, give me a break , please tell the lawyers to jump on another gravy train . Let rugby keep its money , it’s going to need it !
But in my opinion the officials on the day were in the wrong & Steve Diamond’s comments had foundation but as per usual the RFU want to do things behind closed doors, sweep any bad stuff under the carpet, punish the ‘whistle blower’/victim.
I get frustrated that TMOs have so much influence on the game when they are far less qualified than the Ref. A lot of technology but still no cigar. The TMO ‘might’ be able to be an AR but no where near the standard or experience to replace the Referee on the day & then there are the even less qualified assistants advising the TMO.
Diamond Steve not a diamond guy.
Rascal.
But no mention that the RFU later agreed that an offence had been committed…rugby an absolute joke at the minute. Really feel for the falcons there