Gary Gold

A SANZAAR Judicial Hearing conducted by Nigel Hampton QC (New Zealand) has found Cell C Sharks coach Gary Gold guilty of misconduct under the SANZAAR Code of Conduct following the Cell C Sharks vs Crusaders match 2 weekends ago.

Gold admitted a charge of misconduct, which also involved 2 breaches of the Super Rugby Competition Rules, by engaging with TMO (TMO) Johan Greeff during the 2nd half of the match.

In his finding Hampton concluded that, by his own admission, Gold had approached the TMO on 2 separate occasions (65th and 71st minutes) and had used crude and insulting language towards the official.

It was found that, by his actions, Gold had clearly breached Super Rugby Competition Rule 3.8 (7) “That no person may engage, or attempt to engage with a TMO during a match in relation to the TMOs officiating in the match.”

Hampton also found that Gold’s actions had breached the SANZAAR Code of Conduct Section 8.3 (l) which states: “All persons shall not use crude, insulting or abusive language towards Match Officials.”

Hampton confirmed that Gold should be fined A$ 5 000.00 for each of the 2 breaches of Rule 3.8 (7) as permitted under competition rules (a total of A$ 10 000.00) and a further A$ 5 000.00 for the SANZAAR Code of Conduct breach, of which A$ 2 500.00 is to be suspended for a 12 month period.

The total of A$ 15 000.00 equates to R 170 000.00.

Gold was formally reprimanded, issued with a warning as to the likely consequences of further unacceptable behavior, and told that any further Code of Conduct breach within 12 months would result in the suspended A$ 2 500.00 becoming immediately payable.

He was also ordered to pay SANZAAR’s costs of A$ 1 000.00.

Gold has unreservedly apologised for his behavior to the TMO, Johan Greeff, and agreed that this type of behaviour has no place in the game.

news24