Jerome Fillol could be handed a long ban if he is found guilty of spitting at Peter Stringer © Getty Images

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News: IRB chief demands action over spitting incident

Players/Officials: Jerome Fillol | Peter Stringer

Tournaments/Tours: Amlin Challenge Cup

Teams: Bath Rugby | England | France | Stade Français

Stade Francais' Jerome Fillol has been cited for allegedly spitting at Peter Stringer during their Amlin Challenge Cup quarter-final on Saturday.

Stringer complained to referee Nigel Owens following the incident that occurred in the first half of the Premiership side's 36-20 defeat but he did not see it and therefore did not act with the tournament not one of those trialling the extended Television Match Official powers that allow input for incidents of suspected foul play.

However, TV replays appeared to confirm the worst and the body in charge of European rugby will now look into the incident having cited Fillol for an "act contrary to good sportsmanship".

Stringer saying after the game: "That's as low as you can probably go. When you are on the end of something like that you are rattled by it, but try not to dwell on it. It's out of my hands now."

Stringer has since received the support of IRB chief executive Brett Gosper who took to Twitter to call for firm action. He wrote: "Spitting on Stringer should be punished to the full extent of the law."

Under the IRB disciplinary code, the sanction for spitting ranges between four and at least 11 weeks, depending on the severity of the offence with the maximum ban being 52 weeks. Fillol will find out his fate on April 11 when his hearing will take place in Dublin.

The incident soured the game that saw the French side book a final four clash against Top 14 rivals Perpignan later this month. Leinster will tackle defending champions Biarritz in the other semi-final having seen off the challenges of Wasps and Gloucester respectively.

Disgusted at what happened yesterday in the game.No place for it in rugby or any walk of life

— Peter Stringer (@stringer9) April 7, 2013