Johnny Sexton to face disciplinary panel for berating Jaco Peyper

Johnny Sexton after Leinster's Champions Cup Final defeat to La Rochelle
Ireland captain Johnny Sexton’s involvement at the 2023 Rugby World Cup is in serious doubt after being cited for his behaviour after the Champions Cup Final.
Sexton, who missed the game through injury, is alleged to have verbally accosted match-day referee Jaco Peyper and his officiating team after Leinster’s 27-26 loss to La Rochelle.
Johnny Sexton cited
Six weeks after the final, tournament organisers, the European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), have concluded their review into the incident and have lodged a misconduct complaint against Sexton and his club Leinster.
Footage after the game shows Sexton marching onto the pitch, where he scolds Peyper and his fellow officials.
If found guilty, the veteran fly-half could face lengthy ban which will hamper his and Ireland’s World Cup preparations.
Depending on the length of the ban, his playing career could even be brought to a swift end as he is set to retire after the World Cup.
EPCR statement
An EPCR statement read: “Misconduct complaints against the Leinster Rugby player, Johnny Sexton, and against Leinster Rugby, arising from the Heineken Champions Cup final on Saturday 20 May 2023, have been lodged by EPCR.
“After thorough fact-finding and careful review of Johnny Sexton’s behaviour towards match officials after the match, in accordance with EPCR regulations, the EPCR Disciplinary Officer has submitted misconduct complaints so that an independent disciplinary panel can determine whether any misconduct has been committed by Mr Sexton (through his behaviour) and Leinster (through failing to exercise reasonable control over Mr Sexton).
“The complaints were referred to the Chairman of the Independent Disciplinary Panel, who has appointed Christopher Quinlan KC (England, Chair), Adam Casselden SC (Australia) and Marcello D’Orey (Portugal) as the independent Disciplinary Committee to hear the case and consider whether misconduct took place.
“The hearing will take place by video conference, on 13 July. EPCR will be making no further comment.”
Ireland play three warm-up games, against Italy, England and Samoa. Andy Farrell’s side kick off their World Cup campaign against Romania on September 9 before facing Tonga, South Africa and Scotland in their pool.
READ MORE: Rassie Erasmus remains tight-lipped over Johnny Sexton’s misconduct