URC release statement following shocking spitting allegation

The flashpoint occurred in the second half when Munster hooker Diarmuid Barron accused Lions flanker Sibabalwe Mahashe of spitting into his mouth at a ruck, prompting referee Andrea Piardi to halt play while the TMO reviewed the footage.

No evidence of foul play was found during the in-game check, allowing Mahashe to stay on the field.

Following a further review after the match, the URC concluded that the footage did not show any “clear and obvious unsportsmanlike conduct” and confirmed that the South African forward will not face a citing.

The URC statement read: “The allegation of spitting that occurred in the Munster versus Fidelity SecureDrive Lions on Saturday, May 16 was reviewed the Citing Commissioner, Eugene Ryan (IRFU). Having examined all available camera angles, the video footage was inconclusive and there was no clear and obvious unsportsmanlike conduct by Lions No.6.

“The audio statement by No 16 of Munster is clear and he states that No 6 of Lions spat into his mouth but the audio statement from No.6 Lions 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. As such, no citing is feasible in this case.”