Quins "surprised" at misconduct verdict

Harlequins: Considering their position after ERC verdict

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Tuesday, 21, Jul 2009 04:44

Guinness Premiership side Harlequins have said they are "both surprised and disappointed" at the decision to fine the club 250,000 euro (£215,000) over the 'fake blood injury' controversy during last season's Heineken Cup.

In the quarter-final against Irish side Leinster at the Stoop, Tom Williams was forced off in a blood substitution that allowed star number ten Nick Evans to return to the field of play.

However, in the view of the European Rugby Cup (ERC) disciplinary committee, the substitution was made after a "fabricated wound" and the club were hit with a huge fine while Williams received a 12-month ban.

The evidence included broadcast footage of the game that appeared to show blood injury victim Williams winking at the bench.

"Harlequins are both surprised and disappointed at today's decision by the ERC disciplinary committee to find Harlequins and Tom Williams guilty of misconduct in relation to events surrounding the Heineken Cup quarter final versus Leinster," a statement from the club reads.

"Particularly so in the light of the acquittal of [director of rugby] Dean Richards, [club physio] Steph Brennan and Dr Wendy Chapman on similar or identical charges.

"The club and the player will consider their position in the light of the written judgement due to be handed down by the disciplinary committee."

In their decision, the ERC said: "It was the view of the committee that this was a very serious offence and one that damaged the reputation of the tournament and of rugby union.

"Accordingly the committee imposed a fine of 250,000 euro on Harlequins, of which 50 per cent is suspended for two years.

"The committee also suspended Mr Williams from playing rugby for a period of 12 months up to and including July 19th 2010."

Both Williams and Harlequins have a right to appeal against the decision and the club said a decision would be made on their course of action in due course.