Citing may sideline Horan

MUNSTER prop Marcus Horan could miss part of Ireland's autumn Test programme after a citing complaint was filed against him.

In a dramatic development yesterday, an hour after Munster complained Richard Mustoe to the ERC, the Ospreys surprisingly countered by naming Horan as the aggressor in an incident which took place in Munster's 20-18 HeinekenCup win at The Gnoll on Sunday.

It is not clear just yet why the Ospreys have brought citing charges against Horan, but the Ireland prop has much more to lose should any evidence be found against him.

Mustoe is not in the current Welsh squad, but Horan is very much part of Eddie O'Sullivan's plans, and should almost certainly be included in a 22-man panel named later today by the Ireland management.

Horan actually left the field during the game for stitches in a head wound after an apparent stamp by Ospreys wing Mustoe.

An independent citing officer from tournament organisers European Rugby Cup will now consider the complaints and decide if they should be referred to an independent disciplinary committee.

After the incident Horan sported a head wound, while Mustoe was yellow-carded by French referee Joel Judge.

The citing officer will decide whether either player has a case to answer.

In Horan's case it was clear some type of assault took place, although Mustoe might not necessarily be the perpetrator. That will be decided on video evidence.

An ERC spokesman said: "We are conscious that there are a number of internationals in the next few weeks and we will try to deal with this situation as quickly as possible."