Harlequins are spitting blood over faking fine and ban

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

After hearing three days of evidence, Heineken Cup organisers decided that Williams had not suffered a mouth cut during their 6-5 quarter-final defeat by Leinster at the Twickenham Stoop on 12 April.

At the time, Leinster officials had complained about Williams's blood-injury replacement that allowed him to be replaced by fly-half Nick Evans, who had earlier left the pitch with a knee injury.

Quins chief executive Mark Evans has always strenuously denied rumours of a blood capsule being used and he is now taking legal advice about a possible appeal.

The three-man ERC disciplinary committee stunned the Guinness Premiership club representatives yesterday by banning Williams and imposing the huge fine - half of which is suspended for two years.

In a statement, the club said: "Harlequins are both surprised and disappointed at the decision, particularly so in the light of the acquittal of Dean Richards (director of rugby), Steph Brennan (physio) and Dr Wendy Chapman on similar or identical charges.

"The club and the player will consider their position in the light of the written judgement due to be handed down."

An ERC spokesman said: "It was the view of the Committee that this was a very serious offence and one that damaged the reputation of the tournament and of rugby union."