ERC hands Brennan a lifetime ban for punching Ulster fan

FORMER Ireland lock Trevor Brennan was yesterday handed a lifetime playing ban, with disciplinary chiefs noting they “could not envisage a more serious misconduct in relation to spectators”.

Brennan was called before the independent hearing in London after being accused of entering a seating area during Toulouse’s 28-13 Heineken Cup victory over Ulster in January and punching a supporter.

The 33-year-old had already trumped the verdict by announcing his immediate retirement earlier in the week, but the sanctions imposed were a clear indication of the severity of the incident.

He was issued with a lifetime suspension from the sport and a lifetime ban on participation in any capacity in tournaments organised by European Rugby Cup (ERC).

He was also fined €25,000, told to pay €5,000 compensation to Patrick Bamford — the fan he struck — and the costs of convening the hearing.

An ERC statement read: “It was the view of the committee that Mr Brennan’s behaviour was completely unjustified and that he caused serious harm to an innocent spectator and significant damage to the image of rugby union.

“The committee could not envisage a more serious misconduct in relation to spectators and believed that the maximum permissible suspension was appropriate.”

Brennan had indicated before the incident that he would retire at the end of the season, although it is understood he was also looking at the possibility of playing for one more year.

His astonishing assault on Bamford ended any hopes of continuing, however, and it is a bitter and controversial way for a respected competitor to exit the game.

The ERC statement added: “The committee, having heard testimony from a number of witnesses and reviewed documentary evidence, found Mr Brennan guilty of misconduct under the Heineken Cup Disciplinary Rules in that he entered one of the seating areas in the stadium and repeatedly struck an Ulster spectator, namely Mr Patrick Bamford.”

Brennan had been suspended by the French Rugby Federation until yesterday after the International Rugby Board requested Toulouse adopt the measure “in the interests of the game”.

Bamford, 25, required medical treatment at the ground and on his return home to London and has since begun criminal and civil proceedings.

Brennan claimed he was provoked by derogatory chants during the game.