Rugby Football Union official Alan Black has aologised "unreservedly'' following his attempt to strike Clermont prop Martin Scelzo with a programme during Wasps' 25-24 win yesterday.

Former Wasps captain Black appeared to aim a blow at Clermont's Argentina prop Martin Scelzo when a fight which erupted in the 58th minute spilt onto the sidelines.

Black, who is employed as a leisure rugby manager by the RFU, was subsequently thrown out of Adams Park.

A statement released by the RFU today read: ``Alan Black would like to
unreservedly apologise to the game, London Wasps, Clermont Auvergne, officials, fans and players for the incident that occurred on Saturday.

``The RFU will be co-operating fully with any investigation into the incident
that took place at the London Wasps versus Clermont Auvergne match on Saturday.

The RFU's disciplinary officer has been informed and is considering the
position.''

Wasps chief executive Tony Copsey promised a full investigation into the incident.

Copsey said: ``An individual was identified and expelled from the ground immediately.

``It was an unfortunate incident because something of this nature has never happened before.

``It's an unfortunate moment for rugby that an incident like this should happen during a fantastic match, possibly one of the best ever Heineken Cup games.

``The club will consider its position and will fully investigate what happened tonight.

``We won't over-react to the situation but want to look at it in its fullness. A season or lifetime ban might be forthcoming.''

Wasps captain Lawrence Dallaglio said of theincident, "Let's get it into perspective. A guy throws six punches and gets yellow-carded whereas another guy hits someone with a programme.

"The incident has to be taken in the context of what happened previously - a guy had thrown a load of punches."

A spokesman for Heineken Cup organisers European Rugby Cup confirmed they are also to investigate the second-half incident.