DRAGONS head of performance Dan Baugh has been given an official one-game ban by the United Rugby Championship for his spat with referee Ben Whitehouse.
The conditioning coach was already going to be given a club suspension from on-field activities against the Sharks in Durban tomorrow but now the URC have acted.
READ MORE: 'You can't touch an official' - Dragons boss
Baugh was ordered from the pitch by Whitehouse in the 20-5 win against the Ospreys after a warning over the way the referee deemed he had been spoken to, then the former Canada international put his hand on the official’s shoulder.
The URC have given him a four-game ban with three fixtures suspended over the course of this season plus a £2,500 suspended fine.
“The ban means that Mr Baugh is prohibited from being in the playing enclosures (pitch and technical) areas but can sit in the stand, enter the dressing room and/or the coaches box during for this weekend’s fixture between Dragons RFC and Hollywood Bets Sharks in Durban,” read a statement.
“Should Mr Baugh repeat this offence or any other action deemed as misconduct throughout the rest of the season he will have to serve the remaining three games of the ban. A fine of £2,500 will also be incurred by Mr Baugh in such a situation.”
The Dragons have also been given a suspended £5,000 fine after failing to “exercise reasonable and proper control over their players and staff”.
“The United Rugby Championship has made it clear to its clubs and their match-day personnel and squads that unsporting or disrespectful behaviour towards match officials will not be tolerated,” read the statement.
“The league thanks Dragons RFC for their compliance and understanding during this process and believes that this is a rare and isolated incident that is out of character with the club’s positive reputation.”
Dragons head coach Dai Flanagan had already stood Baugh down for water boy duties at Kings Park.
"I always say the behaviour of my staff and players represents me,” said Flanagan on Thursday.
"Dan is well aware you can't touch an official. Him and Ben go back a long way and he phoned him on Monday.
"Dan was Ben's strength and conditioning coach when he worked for periods at the WRU.
"Dan is well aware you can't do what he did and we are dealing with it in-house. There is a consequence agreed by Dan and us. You can't do that, it is clear as day my end.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here