'Unhelpful commentary from people with a clear influence': Munster Interim CEO backs Coombes 

Avan Lee has said the province continues to stand by Gavin Coombes regardless of Thursday night's decision to clear Leinster's Tadhg Furlong of any wrongdoing.

Munster's Gavin Coombes. Pic: Nick Elliott/Inpho

Munster Interim CEO Avan Lee has said the province continues to stand by Gavin Coombes regardless of Thursday night's decision by an independent disciplinary committee to unanimously clear Leinster's Tadhg Furlong of any wrongdoing.

Furlong, who has been backed publicly by his Leinster head coach Leo Cullen, Leinster coach Robin McBryde and Ireland coach Johnny Sexton, had been cited after the province’s URC win over Munster at the Aviva Stadium last Saturday for an alleged incident with Coombes that occurred close to half-time and was first brought to the attention of referee Andrew Brace.

The law in question states that: “A player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship including but not limited to grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals.” 

A URC statement stated on Monday that the “Citing Commissioner in charge has made a complaint about an act of foul play by the Player (Tadhg Furlong No 3) against opponent Gavin Coombes (No. 8)”.

Despite the verdict, the disciplinary committee concluded that Munster number eight Coombes had given "an honest account of his recollection of events surrounding the incident".

Following the decision, Munster released a statement backing Coombes.

Interim CEO Lee highlighted the importance of "independent disciplinary proceedings being allowed to conclude without unhelpful commentary from people with a clear influence over public perception".

His statement in full read: “The priority this week was to back Gavin and for the club to stand behind him, and that position has not changed.

“We believe it is important that independent disciplinary proceedings are allowed to conclude without unhelpful commentary from people with a clear influence over public perception.

"Respect for that process, and consideration for everyone directly involved should be paramount."

Prop Furlong is now free to play for Ireland in the Nations Championships.