Sharks rugby coach Dick Muir has resolved the issues he had with timekeeper Gabriel Pappas following last Saturday’s Super 14 clash against the Lions at Ellis Park.
Muir was involved in an altercation with Pappas after Sharks hooker Bismarck du Plessis was not allowed to return to the game following treatment for a cut to his eye.
In a statement released by the Sharks on Tuesday, the union said it was brought to its attention that, due to extreme pressure, Muir had had a verbal altercation with Pappas.
Media reports on Sunday had said that Muir had on Saturday night stormed into the press box at Ellis Park and allegedly accused Pappas — also manager of refereeing affairs at the Lions — of cheating after Du Plessis was not allowed to return to the field.
The confrontation took place in front of the whole media contingent. Muir then asked Pappas in the presence of the referees involved with time management: ”Who is the cheat now?”
Du Plessis left the field in the 20th minute. He was not back on the field within the 15 minutes allowed for treatment of a blood injury and the fourth referee, who controls the replacements and blood-substitutes next to the field, would not let him back on to the field.
Muir first stormed down to the field where he confronted the fourth official, who would not relent. He then went up to the press box where he also confronted Pappas.
”Dick has been in contact with Pappas and the matter has been resolved in a rugby manner. All matters involving the match on Saturday have been discussed at a management meeting and have been addressed,” Tuesday’s statement said.
The matter had, however, also been referred to the South African Rugby Union, which is expected to accept the steps taken by the Sharks. — Sapa