Munster Rugby Statement

Munster Rugby released a statement today regading the altercation that took place during their EPCR Champions Cup fixture at Thomond park arena.

In a statement published on their website, the Irish club said, "Munster Rugby can confirm that a decision has been made to prohibit the supporter involved in an incident at Thomond Park on Saturday from attending Munster Rugby home games. An investigation commenced on Sunday with the supporter getting in contact with the province this morning to identify himself and apologise for his actions. Munster Rugby will be contacting Aviron Bayonnais and EPCR to apologise for the incident. A disagreement broke out in the 44th minute of their clash on Saturday with the Irish province leading 14-3. There was a bit of pushing and shoving as the players moved towards the sideline where the supporters were,"

A disagreement broke out in the 44th minute of their clash on Saturday with the Irish province leading 14-3.

There was a bit of pushing and shoving as the players moved towards the sideline where the supporters were. However, one fan decided to get involved and pull the shirt of powerhouse Bayonne lock Konstantin Mikautadze, who unsurprisingly took exception to the antics.

After the spectator’s action, Mikautadze turned around and appeared to begin the action of flinging his right fist in that direction.

Fortunately, the second-row stopped himself from going through with it and Munster’s Thomas Ahern stepped in between them to de-escalate the situation.

You could very much understand the lock’s frustration, and it is not a place for a fan to become embroiled in such matters.

Mikautadze did well to not lash out and he went on to channel that pent-up frustration in the right way, helping Bayonne to stage an impressive comeback.

The French outfit reduced the arrears to 14-10 a few minutes later before Mikautadze was replaced by Arthur Iturria. Although Jack Crowley’s penalty extended Munster’s buffer, a converted Remy Baget try sealed a historic draw for the Champions Cup debutants.