AN ALLEGED incident involving Edinburgh supporters and Toulouse players Census Johnston and Yoann Maestri during Saturday’s Heineken Cup quarter-final at Murrayfield is being investigated by the ERC. In a statement issued yesterday, the ERC said: “Following reported incidents during the Edinburgh versus Toulouse semi-final, ERC disciplinary officer, Roger O’Connor, will contact both clubs to request full details of what occurred.
“[O’Connor] will then review the information provided by the clubs before determining whether any further action is warranted.
“In the interests to fairness to all parties involved, ERC will not be in a position to comment further until both clubs have had the opportunity to respond fully.”
Toulouse have complained that the Samoan prop and French lock were verbally abused having been replaced in the last quarter of the surprise 19-14 defeat.
According to The Scotsman, Maestri did not take the chartered flight back to Toulouse, remaining behind with officials, including club president Rene Bouscatel, to offer an explanation of events.
The supporters were in close proximity to the Toulouse replacements as they were allowed onto the running track in an attempt to help improve the atmosphere.
Meanwhile, Edinburgh coach Michael Bradley has credited the work of defence coach Billy McGinty as a main reason for their progress to the semi-finals.
“If you look at Edinburgh historically, they have been fantastic going forward, but not so fantastic in defence,” said Bradley. “Saturday showed how that has changed: Toulouse didn’t score a single point in the second half.
“We’re developing. Edinburgh have traditionally played a very open, expansive game.
“You just need to balance it with the threat of a kicking game or with the forwards taking the ball on as well.”
On Ulster’s win in Limerick, the former Ireland scrumhalf said: “That result didn’t surprise me. Like everyone else, I’ve been aware that Ulster are very much moving in the right direction, and they would have travelled to that match with a lot of confidence.
“But we’re capable of beating everybody.
“If we play our best game we can win.”
