The former Ireland lock Trevor Brennan was today handed a lifetime playing ban with disciplinary chiefs noting they "could not envisage a more serious misconduct in relation to spectators". Brennan was called before the independent hearing in London after being accused of entering a seating area during Toulouse's 28-13 Heineken Cup victory over Ulster in January and punching a supporter.
The 33-year-old had already trumped today's verdict by announcing his immediate retirement earlier in the week but the sanctions imposed were a clear indication of the severity of the incident. He was issued with a lifetime suspension from the sport and a lifetime ban on participation in any capacity in tournaments organised by European Rugby Cup Limited.
He was also fined €25,000 (£17,125), told to pay €5,000 (£3,425) compensation to Patrick Bamford - the spectator he struck - and the costs of convening the hearing. An ERC statement read: "It was the view of the committee that Mr Brennan's behaviour was completely unjustified and that he caused serious harm to an innocent spectator and significant damage to the image of rugby union. The committee could not envisage a more serious misconduct in relation to spectators and believed that the maximum permissible suspension was appropriate."
Brennan had indicated before the incident that he would retire at the end of the season, although it is understood he was also looking at the possibility of playing for one more year. His astonishing assault on Bamford ended any hopes of continuing, however.
Bamford, 25, required medical treatment at the ground and on his return home to London and has since begun criminal and civil proceedings. Brennan claimed he was provoked by derogatory chants during the game.
The Bath head coach, Steve Meehan, accepts his team need to "improve habits on the road" as they target an unlikely Premiership win at the leaders, Leicester, tomorrow. The West Country club have failed to win in the league on their travels this season. Bath, though, have lost only once in their last four away games against Leicester in all competitions.
Meehan said: "What we are looking for is a good performance away from home and an 80-minute performance. It has been suggested to me Leicester is ideal for that as it brings out the best in most English teams. Our last away performance [against Worcester] wasn't where it should have been and we just need to improve our habits on the road."
Tigers were yesterday deducted one point by England Rugby Limited for fielding one of their players who was temporarily registered with another club. The fly-half Ian Humphreys played for Leicester on November 18 and 26 while he was registered as being on loan to the National League One title contenders Leeds Tykes.
