NEWPORT and Pontypool are nervously waiting for the referee’s report into Saturday’s vicious Gwent derby at Rodney Parade.
A mass brawl in the 16th minute resulted in Pooler prop Neil Giles being sent off and his teammate Morgan Allen sent to the sin bin along with the Black and Ambers’ Sam Waldron and Mike Poole.
But Giles in particular could be in hot water after returning to the field to take part in a second dust-up, as shown in the above pictures.
Members of the Pontypool coaching staff also went onto the pitch while scuffles were taking place.
Fans have posted allegations and counter-allegations on the Argus website and internet forums and now the WRU are likely to have the final say.
The next step is referee Leighton Hodges filing his disciplinary report and that may not be until the end of the week as he was running the line in Leeds’ Amlin Challenge Cup win over Rugby Parma on Sunday.
The footage of any incidents mentioned (as well as Giles’ red) will then be reviewed by the WRU’s disciplinary committee in a few weeks.
Newport do not feel the need for further action on their part and will leave the matter in the hands of the WRU, while Pooler are set to have a meeting tonight.
They are likely to wait until they are sent a copy of Hodges’ report before deciding what course of action to take.
Dust-ups are to be expected in Gwent derbies but Saturday’s unsightly scenes are unlikely to have impressed the Dragons, who had scrum-half Alex Walker and number eight Grant Webb on the field for Newport and Pontypool respectively.
And those who are charged face the prospect of the book being thrown at them by the WRU if found guilty.
Whatever happens over the coming weeks, the return fixture at Pontypool Park on Friday, March 19 is likely to be a feisty affair.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel