Northampton lodge complaint over Henry Pollock treatment as Saints allege Bordeaux ‘foul play’
Northampton Saints star Henry Pollock with an inset of club Director of Rugby Phil Dowson
Northampton Saints players and coaches have criticised the actions of Bordeaux-Begles at the end of yesterday’s Champions Cup final, following an altercation with Henry Pollock.
The incident brought a sour note to what was a gripping Champions Cup final at the Principality Stadium, which saw Bordeaux claim their first major trophy with a 28-20 win.
Northampton Saints criticise Bordeaux actions
At the full-time whistle, players from both sides were shown pushing and shoving each other, with British and Irish Lions tourist Pollock later seen gesturing to his neck.
Assistant referee Andrea Piardi was also spotted speaking to the 20-year-old back-rower after the incident.
Speaking after the game, Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson described the actions as “out of order” and confirmed the referees had spotted it and would deal with it after the complaint was made.
Bordeaux-Begles end wait for Champions Cup glory with vintage win over Northampton Saints
“There’s a fracas at the end, and there’s foul play involved,” he said.
“I’ve been assured the touch judge has seen it, but Henry Pollock was particularly upset by it because it was uncalled for and out of order.
“He reacted, and the officials have told me they will deal with it.”
Saints fly-half Fin Smith also detailed his account of the incident, which occurred in the midst of Bordeaux’s title celebrations, claiming the Bordeaux players “charged” at Pollock at the full-time whistle.
“They were after him, I don’t think they like him,” said the England number 10. “He’ll be alright, but they all charged him and tried to get hold of him.
“I’m surprised if you’ve just won a European Cup that the first thing you do is try and start a fight with a 20-year-old, but fair play. I thought that was interesting.”
“The game was played in great spirits until that point, so it’s a shame to end like that, but it is what it is.”
Captain Fraser Dingwall added: “I don’t think there was any bad blood [between the sides], it was just lads competing.
“The only thing I questioned at times was how many times can we have the values of the game applied on things like appealing. There were a couple of moments where boys didn’t adhere to those things, and that’s going to spark a reaction.”
