TV evidence crucial in O’Connell investigation

FRENCH referee Christophe Berdos cited the use of an elbow by Paul O’Connell in the incident that led to his red card against Ospreys on Sunday.

However video and photographic evidence suggests the Munster lock struck Ospreys’ Jonathan Thomas with his right forearm.

The distinction could prove relevant in terms of the possible sanctions O’Connell faces under the International Rugby Board’s (IRB) tariff of punishments that Heineken Cup organisers ERC employs in dealing with disciplinary matters.