Attack on officials sparks probe
October 8, 2001

European Rugby bosses are set to launch an inquiry after three Scottish match officials were physically and verbally abused by French fans at Montferrand's 37-10 victory over Cardiff.

Referee Rob Dickson and touch judges Andy Ireland and Bert Craig had to make a dash for safety as things threatened to turn nasty.

Ireland injured a thumb after he was grabbed by a supporter, while his colleagues were subjected to a series of verbal threats.

Trouble had flared in the first half at the Parc des Sports Marcel when linesman Craig was forced to dodge stones and other missiles hurled from the stand.

But it was near the end of the game that tempers boiled over when Test referee Dickson sent three home players to the sin-bin for persistent technical offences. It was claimed that club stewards were slow to react when the final whistle sounded and allowed hundreds of furious fans to swarm the pitch - and target the terrified Scottish trio.

Scottish Rugby Union spokesman Graham Law confirmed: "The match commissioner, Francois Palmade, will look at film of certain incidents and they will be investigated."

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