Munster punish supporter who grabbed Bayonne player and issue apology
Munster fans at Thomond Park.
Munster have announced they have banned the supporter who made contact with Bayonne lock Konstantin Mikautadze at Thomond Park from attending home games.
The incident took place on Saturday after a disagreement broke out in the 44th minute of their Champions Cup clash with the French outfit, who were trailing Munster 14-3.
Grabbed the Georgian
Following pushing and shoving as the players moved towards the sideline, suddenly a supporter grabbed hold of Georgian Mikautadze who subsequently reacted to him.
Mikautadze turned around and appeared to begin the action of flinging his right fist in that direction before pulling it away in what was an unsavoury incident at the game.
Munster subsequently launched an investigation and the United Rugby Championship holders have on Monday issued an update saying the supporter has been punished.
“Munster Rugby can confirm that a decision has been made to prohibit the supporter involved in an incident at Thomond Park on Saturday from attending Munster Rugby home games,” it read.
“An investigation commenced on Sunday with the supporter getting in contact with the province this morning to identify himself and apologise for his actions.
Munster to apologise
“Munster Rugby will be contacting Aviron Bayonnais and EPCR to apologise for the incident.”
A bit silly pic.twitter.com/QuxQNlNUGz
— SmallClone (@Smallclone_) December 10, 2023
Bayonne managed to recover from that 14-3 deficit to draw the Round One Champions Cup pool fixture 17-17 in Limerick, thanks to a late converted try from Remy Baget.
Munster will travel to Exeter Chiefs this weekend in Round Two while Bayonne are at home to Glasgow Warriors, who lost to Northampton Saints in their opener last Friday.
All five of the aforementioned sides are in Pool Three of the tournament with Toulon.