Sale Sharks director of rugby Steve Diamond fined for remarks on match officials

Sale Sharks director of rugby Steve Diamond has been fined 3,000 euros for insulting match officials following their Heienekn Champions Cup clash against Exeter Chiefs on 8th December.

Diamond was alleged to have made remarks against referee Mathieu Raynal and his assistants after his side went on to lose 22-20 following which EPCR launched an investigation on the issue.

"Steve Diamond made comments that had the effect of insulting the match officials," read an EPCR statement.

"These comments had the potential to bring the sport of rugby union, the Heineken Champions Cup, and/or EPCR, into disrepute.

"The committee took into account Steve Diamond's timely admission of wrongdoing, in addition to his numerous subsequent public comments and apologies to the team of match officials for any offence caused.

"They determined that Steve Diamond be given a formal reprimand and fined him E3,000 (payable immediately)."

Sale Sharks are positioned third in Pool 2 of the Champions Cup with a solitary win from four matches while they are at seventh place in the Gallagher Premiership after managing three victories from seven games.