Wheeler weighs up appeal against RFU fine

Leicester chief executive Peter Wheeler says he is considering an appeal against a £3,000 (€4700) fine imposed by the RFU for criticising a referee.

Wheeler was punished after he made comments about match official Steve Lander in a local newspaper column following the Tigers' match against Bristol in May.

He said: "I will talk with Tigers chairman Peter Tom over the weekend and decide whether to lodge an appeal.

"I have 14 days in which to make the appeal but with all things like this you want to put it behind you and move on.

"I though the fine was a bit harsh. They are not dealing with soccer players here, this is rugby. I don't know how they came to the figure but I think it is excessive."

Wheeler was found not guilty of two other charges relating to comments concerning members of Bristol's squad and then coach Dean Ryan, and a third charge of failing to take all possible steps to prevent the game from being brought into disrepute.