The spectator who assaulted Irish referee David McHugh during a match between South Africa and New Zealand in August was yesterday sentenced to a fine of R10,000 (€1,012) or imprisonment for 30 days.
The spectator, Pieter van Zyl, a businessman who was admonished by the South African Rugby Football Union, and, indirectly, by President Thabo Mbeki, paid the fine immediately.
Van Zyl, who dislocated McHugh's shoulder and took a few hefty blows when players from both sides intervened, had pleaded guilty during a court appearance on September 9th.
"However noble your action may seem in your own mind, you are in essence nothing more than a rugby hooligan," said magistrate Russel Hand.
After Van Zyl was forcibly removed from the field, the SA Rugby Football union imposed a lifelong ban on him from attending matches held under its auspices. Van Zyl intends to challenge the ban his lawyer confirmed yesterday.
The sentencing of Van Zyl occurred in the wake of the Currie Cup final at the weekend. It was won by the Blue Blues, who underwent an almost magical metamorphosis after finishing last in the Super 12.
French hooker Yannick Bru has been banned from selection for next month's internationals for head-butting an opponent on Sunday after playing for Toulouse in a French championship game, the French Rugby Union (FFR) said yesterday.
Agen number eight Thierry Labrousse was left with a broken nose after the incident at the Stade Armandie, in Agen.
