Sheahan fined after headbutting claim
February 11, 2000

Irish hooker Frank Sheahan has been fined £2,500 and "severely reprimanded" after an alleged attack on a fan following the team's defeat by England.

Computer technician Terry Gormley, 32, from Dublin, said he suffered a black eye after being headbutted at Jury's Hotel in Kensington, London, early on Sunday following the game at Twickenham.

Sheahan, who plays for Cork Constitution, said: "I greatly regret my involvement in this incident and I have apologised personally to Mr Gormley. I also regret the embarrassment this has caused Irish rugby."

The forward is uncapped and was on the bench against England. He keeps his place in the squad for Ireland's Six Nations Championship clash with Scotland at Lansdowne Road next week, but has been warned about his future conduct.

Gormley claimed the incident occurred after he and his friends criticised members of the Irish squad for their poor performance against England, when Ireland were crushed 50-18.

The Irish Rugby Football Union said in a statement: "As a result of allegations of an incident that occurred in London on the evening of February 5 involving a member of the Irish senior squad, the IRFU has conducted an inquiry and today summoned Mr Frank Sheahan to a hearing, following which he has been severely reprimanded, fined £2,500 and been warned as to his future conduct.

"Mr Sheahan has personally apologised to Mr Terry Gormley for his conduct and his apology has been graciously accepted. Mr Sheahan has also apologised to the IRFU for his conduct."

IRFU chief executive Philip Browne said: "The Union does not condone such misconduct by players and greatly regrets the involvement of one of its contracted players in this incident."

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