A parent who tripped up an under-16s rugby player during a cup final has been handed a two-year touchline ban.
The Rugby Football Union’s punishment followed the Hertfordshire Shield game between Watford’s Fullerians and Royston on April 27.
The father of a Fullerians player —who has not been named — was caught on camera tripping the young player.
A spokesman for the Watford club said the action was “out of character” and that the father had “apologised to everyone”.
Royston, who went on to win 64-5, looked about to score a try when the father stuck out his foot and sent the young player flying. The player was uninjured in the incident.
Fullerians originally banned the man for six matches and put him on probation. An RFU source told the BBC the eventual punishment was handed out following an investigation by the Hertfordshire RFU with advice from the rugby union hierarchy in Twickenham.
He said: “The person involved has been banned from standing on the touchline for two years.
“One year of the ban is suspended so he can return to watch games in a year, depending on good behaviour.”
The RFU has refused to name the father.
