NEWPORT have responded to the citing of prop Adrian Garvey by Leinster after Friday nights Celtic League quarter-final in Dublin by citing two Irish players.

Leinster have claimed their Australian outside half Nathan Spooner was stamped on at a ruck by Garvey and have reported him to their own Union who have, in turn, informed the Welsh Rugby Union.

That has left Newport angry and they have retaliated by citing Spooner himself and replacement forward Trevor Brennan.

They say Spooner high tackled wing Matt Mostyn badly before the alleged Garvey incident and that Brennan tackled Garvey dangerously.

It was very unfortunate Adrian was cited, said Newport coach Ian McIntosh. We looked at it and it was hard to tell whos boot was going in where.

Spooner is clearly on the wrong side of the ruck and the whole thing is inconclusive.

I really believe there was no intention other than to ruck the ball. Its unfortunate they see it as intent.

If there really was intent we cant understand that after three very good games against Leinster. Things happen at rucks.

But we were also clearly unhappy at a number of incidents that took place and we have brought it to their notice.

The Argus originally revealed on Saturday Leinsters plan to cite and coach Matt Williams claim that Spooner was targeted by Newport.

Leinster were originally told by Irish television people that Garvey, Rod Snow and Peter Buxton were all involved in the Spooner incident which left the player groggy and needing to be led from the pitch.

A spokesman said yesterday: It was a very nasty incident and the citing charge was supported by TV and video and on the evidence of a touchjudge and witnesses, plus a photograph of the injuries.

Newport are also concerned about the injuries picked up during the game.

They could travel to Llanelli for Friday nights Welsh/Scottish League game without a specialist full back.

Matt Pini was having a scan today on his hand amid fears there has been a break, while Shane Howarth had six stitches in a badly cut thumb.

On top of that Emyr Lewis will be out for another 4-6 weeks with a broken thumb.

It could mean Ben Breeze, normally a wing, playing at full back after moving there against Leinster, or there is the option of choosing under-21 player James Rowles.

Leinster will meet arch rivals Munster on Friday night, with Ulster, narrow winners against Neath, facing Glasgow on Saturday, both matches at Lansdowne Road.