Toulouse in bizarre blunder as French giants referred to disciplinary committee for ‘prohibited lines’
Stadium de Toulouse and the different lines for rugby and football in Paul Graou's try.
Toulouse could be punished after a bizarre issue was picked up by the National Rugby League (LNR) following their victory over Stade Francais.
Les Rouge et Noir secured a dominant 38-23 victory over the Parisians, with Julien Marchand, Paul Graou, Romain Ntamack and Peato Mauvaka (twice) all touching down in front of a huge crowd.
The French giants took their festive fixture to Stadium de Toulouse and fans packed out the 33,000 capacity ground, the home of the football team.
However, that is where the issue arises, according to the LNR – the authority responsible for the Top 14.
Rugby and football markings
The measurements and markings differ between rugby and football and the governing body were unhappy that lines from a recent match of the round ball variety were visible during Sunday’s domestic clash.
Toulouse FC’s last game at the stadium was on December 13 but it was also used by Union Saint-Jean on December 22 for their Coupe de France encounter against Monaco.
“The Federal Representative and the Match Operations Officer (ROMa) appointed for this match have reported the presence of lines or spectra of lines different from those of the Rugby Union game: Stade Toulousain is summoned before the Disciplinary and Regulations Committee,” an LNR statement read.
According to the rules and regulations, those lines used for football are required to be erased for all first and second-tier rugby matches if they are on television.
Article 391 from the LNR lawbook stipulates: “In the case of matches in the 1st division professional championship and matches in the 2nd division professional championship broadcast live, the presence of lines or spectra of lines different from those in the game of rugby union is prohibited.
“The referee may ask the organising club to redraw the lines of the field before the kick-off of the match if he deems it necessary.”
Other teams could be punished
Toulouse are not the only team in the dock either, albeit for other alleged indiscretions away from the on-field action.
It seems as though Pau, Castres, La Rochelle and Perpignan could all be in trouble as they are set to appear in front of the disciplinary committee.
It relates to “various alleged breaches” which includes “the wearing of additional equipment, the presence of material obstacles in the in-goal area during matches and the presence of licensees in unauthorized areas during matches”.