Sarries charged with misconduct by ERC

By Jason Harris
March 10 2003

European Rugby Cup Ltd. have charged Saracens with misconduct after their quarter final, first leg Parker Pen Challenge Cup match against Newcastle Falcons was postponed due to a frozen pitch.

The game, due to take place on Sunday 12 January, was postponed after the Vicarage Road playing surface became frozen after the failure of the under-pitch heating system.

The game was hastily re-arranged for the following evening, with the Men in Black running out 31-10 winners.

The ERC said on Monday that Saracens, along with Welsh Premiership sides Neath and Ebbw Vale, allegedly

a) failed to take appropriate steps to prepare and protect their playing surfaces to ensure that their home matches did not have to be postponed due to adverse weather or ground conditions

b) failed to have an alternative venue in reserve


No details of any penalties or other sanctions were detailed by the ERC. However the clubs, if found guilty, could be fined for their failure to fulfil their fixtures on the designated dates.