The Cornish Pirates have accepted “responsibility” for an incident that saw their assistant coach Alan Paver sent off for allegedly slapping a Worcester Warriors player.
Paver was shown a red card by referee Jamie Parr in the final 10 minutes of the Champ Rugby clash at Mennaye Field with Worcester leading 29-7.
It followed a fracas on the touchline after the ball went out of play, with Paver appearing to clash with Warriors replacement Jake Garside.
During his exchange with his assistants in the aftermath, referee Parr could be heard to say on the live stream: “What I haven’t seen is what started it, but I have seen the coach from Cornish Pirates come onto the field of play, and slap one of the players in the face. Is there anything that has started it?”
Explaining the red card and penalty subsequently to the Cornish Pirates players, the official added: “A member of your team has come onto the pitch, so it’s going to be a penalty on the 15m line, from where it’s happened.”
Cornish Pirates have now confirmed the identity of the coach concerned, and said they will respect the disciplinary process that will follow.
“During Saturday’s fixture versus Worcester Warriors, an incident occurred involving our coach, Alan Paver, during match play, resulting in a red card,” the club said in a statement. “We accept responsibility for our part in the incident, the actions taken and acknowledge the seriousness of the matter.
“We will fully engage with the RFU’s disciplinary process, where all context and circumstances will be appropriately reviewed. Our priority is to respect the due process and learn from this event. We will be making no further comment at this stage.”
Worcester’s 29-7 win lifted them to second in the Champ table, with runaway leaders Ealing Trailfinders unbeaten so far this season. Cornish Pirates are sixth and battling with Chinnor, Nottingham and Hartpury for a play-off spot.
