Racism inquiry team meets clubs
February 25, 2002

An inquiry team probing alleged racism during a Zurich Premiership match between Gloucester and Newcastle earlier this season met representatives of both clubs on Monday.

The Rugby Football Union-appointed panel - comprising chairman Michael Beloff QC, retired police chief inspector Gordon Skelton and past RFU president Budge Rogers - assembled in Coventry.

They are investigating allegations that Gloucester's French international hooker Olivier Azam racially abused Newcastle's Tongan flanker Epi Taione.

Both players were sent off - and subsequently banned by the RFU - for fighting during the violent encounter at Kingsholm on December 29.

The panel is also delving into claims that sections of the crowd made racist comments during the course of the game.

Further evidence is now awaited, but the panel could be in a position to provide RFU disciplinary officer Robert Horner with a report during the next fortnight.

Based on the panel's recommendations, Horner must then decide whether or not a hearing is necessary to look specifically at the allegations.

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