European Champions Cup
'Castrogiovanni needed Nigel Owens in the press box'
ESPN Staff
December 10, 2014
Martin Castrogiovanni hit out at former boss Richard Cockerill in the wake of Leicester's win over Toulon © Getty Images
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Leicester Tigers scrum-half Ben Youngs said Martin Castrogiovanni's rant about former boss Richard Cockerill is a "shame" but said the Italian prop is an "emotional" character.

Castrogiovanni launched a furious tirade against Cockerill in the wake of Leicester's win over Toulon on Sunday. The rant referred to the manner in which Castrogiovanni left Leicester for Toulon ahead of the 2013-14 season.

The Italian prop is now waiting to see if tournament organisers European Professional Club Rugby take action against him while Toulon have reportedly suspended him for three days and also handed him a fine. Toulon boss Mourad Boudjellal will also apologise to Leicester for Castrogiovanni's outburst.

Youngs played alongside Castrogiovanni when the prop was at Leicester and said it is important to keep your emotions in check both during and after the game.

"It's a real shame because it puts a dampener on what I thought was a great game," Youngs told Sky Sports. "I think Castro plays with a lot of emotion and the disappointment of going back to his old club and not getting the result probably took over a little bit. It's a real shame because it puts a dampener on what I thought was a great game. I think Castro plays with a lot of emotion."

"He probably needed Nigel Owens in the press box to ref him. We're not focused on that. We were pleased with the win and this week is all about preparing for the weekend to try and back it up.

"Castro had a good relationship with most of the squad and most of the staff. He played with a lot of emotion with the Italian in him. He obviously came to Welford Road and didn't get the result and it was an outburst of emotion. It's unlike rugby to be like that.

"As players, you try and ignore that and try and crack on with your job. As players, you have a role to set an example. The game is on show for everyone so it's important to keep your emotions channelled in the right direction."

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