Brennan faces misconduct hearing, despite retirement

A disciplinary hearing over allegations of misconduct against Irish rugby star Trevor Brennan will go ahead on Friday despite his retirement from the game today.

The Toulouse player, who resigned with immediate effect, faced being handed a lengthy ban if found guilty of bringing a Heineken Cup clash into disrepute.

Brennan, 33, was accused of entering a seating area during a match against Ulster at Stade Ernest Wallon on Sunday, January 21, and punching a supporter.

Within days, the player, who claimed he was provoked, launched High Court proceedings against a disciplinary hearing on grounds its outcome could prejudice any criminal proceedings in France and affect his right to silence.

The player finally agreed to attend a preliminary hearing, which ruled a full inquiry would go ahead at the end of this week in Dublin.

“I had decided at the beginning of this season that I would retire at the end of the current French Championship,” said Brennan.

“However, as a result of recent matters I’ve had to review that position.

“I had sought an adjournment of the ERC disciplinary hearing on the grounds that it interfered with my right to silence in other proceedings, but this has been refused.

“I am therefore announcing my immediate retirement from rugby. I would like to thank everyboy who has helped me throughout these years,” he added.

Last month the French Rugby Federation banned the player until March 15, the day before his hearing was due to take place.

“The hearing was scheduled for Friday and he will be advised to attend,” said a spokesman for the European Rugby Club (ERC).

The independent Disciplinary Committee will be chaired by HHJ Jeff Blackett (England) and include Rod McKenzie (Scotland) and Achille Reali (Italy).

But despite hanging up his boots, Brennan – if found guilty – may still be fined.

The lock is alleged to have struck Patrick Bamford, leaving the 25-year-old accountant requiring medical treatment at the ground and on his return home to London.

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

Mr Bamford has instructed a lawyer in France to pursue criminal and civil proceedings against the player.

He is also taking libel action against a number of news organisations which reported the incident, accusing them of publishing false and damaging claims about his role in the incident.

On February 1, fellow Toulouse player Gareth Thomas appeared before the committee to answer a misconduct complaint arising from the same match and was handed a four week suspension and a fine of €7,500.

The Welsh international was found guilty of aggressively attempting to enter one of the seating areas of the stadium and of making an offensive hand gesture (namely a raised middle finger) toward spectators (by his own admission).