Maestri facing misconduct complaint

Editor

France second-row Yoann Maestri is facing a Six Nations Rugby misconduct complaint for his comments on referee Wayne Barnes.

Maestri was critical of the English official following France's dramatic win over Wales in the Six Nations last weekend.

The veteran lock was quoted as saying: "He (Barnes) told us we were not dominant enough. Anglo-Saxon referees always talk about fair play but the reality is that they think we’re cheats.

“When you are repeatedly crushed in a five-metre scrum, you concede defeat.

“There’s a complicity between Anglo Saxons and it is in these moments that you realise it. It was unbelievable.”

A Six Nations statement said: "Following an investigation, Six Nations Rugby has commenced a misconduct complaint against France vice-captain, Yoann Maestri, following comments made by him to representatives of the media about the referee.

"A disciplinary hearing will now be convened by the chair of the Six Nations disciplinary panel, Professor Lorne Crerar."

Six Nations Rugby are continuing to investigate the replacement of prop Uini Atonio, which drew suspicion after he was withdrawn for an HIA despite complaining of a back injury.