During the (URC) clash between Munster and the Lions at Thomond Park this past weekend, a serious allegation was made during the second half.
Munster hooker Diarmuid Barron alleged he was spat at by an opponent, said to be Lions flank Siba Mahashe
Barron didn’t identify which Lions player he was referring to at the time, and despite bringing it to the attention of the referee, the TMO could not find any definitive footage of such an incident.
URC CITING COMMISSIONER OUTCOME ON ALLEGED SPITTING INCIDENT – MUNSTER V LIONS
The URC citing commissioner has now confirmed that there will be no further action.
“As there is no video evidence to support the accusation, I am of the opinion that a citing is not feasible in this case,” a statement read.
“The video evidence is inconclusive, and there is no clear and obvious spitting action by Lions No.6 [Siba Mahashe].
“The audio statement by Munster No.16 [Diarmuid Barron] is clear, and he states that Lions No.6 spat into his mouth, but the audio statement from Lions No 6 contradicts this, and he states that he had trouble with his gum shield after the upright contact before the ruck. He categorically denied the accusation of spitting.”
Ultimately, the game concluded with Munster securing a hard-fought 24–17 victory to book a quarter-final spot against the Bulls.
What was said about this incident after the game?
After the conclusion of the match, Munster head coach Clayton McMillan bsaid he had no reason to doubt Barron’s claim.
“Ah look, he’s been around a long time and we’re not a team that plays silly buggers, so you’d imagine he felt or he saw what he saw,” McMillan said.
“We only have three or four angles available to us. I’m sure others might have a look at it but that’s not our job to do now. Other people will have a look and if there’s something there to see, then they’ll deal with it, and if there isn’t, then we’ll move forward.
“But in terms of Diarmuid’s integrity, that’s not in question.”
Munster captain Craig Casey also took the side of his teammate.
“To reiterate what Clayton said, I think Barronsy is a very honest bloke in everything he does, so I would take his word for everything.
“I haven’t seen it live, I haven’t seen it on replay or anything like that, so can’t really comment, but I trust Barronsy with everything I own.”
