Michael Cheika has questioned his welcome in the Premiership after being handed a two-match ban for allegedly disrespecting the independent matchday doctor following his debut as Leicester Tigers coach.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) disciplinary panel ruled last Tuesday that the former Wallabies and Pumas coach had been “overly aggressive with intense eye contact” when confronting the doctor after the Premiership clash.
The incident stemmed from Cheika’s frustration over the handling of players being removed for head injury assessments, a point of confusion in the aftermath of Leicester’s match at Sandy Park.
Cheika, never one to shy away from his opinions, didn’t hold back when reflecting on the decision. Speaking to British media, he said: “I would be lying if I didn’t say I was really disappointed. I felt the decision wasn’t right and it hurts my reputation.”
He went further, hinting that the ban could be a sign that he’s not welcome in the English game.
“I was disappointed and I almost felt like — and it’s like I’m spitting the dummy here — but I felt they don’t really want me to be in the league here because what happened is a really minor-type thing.”
The RFU’s disciplinary panel acknowledged the confusion surrounding the head injury protocols but still felt Cheika’s behaviour warranted punishment.
He served the first match of his ban on Sunday, with the second suspended until the end of the season. Leicester, while choosing not to appeal, released a statement standing by their coach, stating they did not believe Cheika’s actions amounted to disrespect.
Despite the frustration, Cheika made it clear he isn’t one to dodge accountability.
“I don’t want to go on about it too much,” he continued. “I’m an honest person. If I do something wrong then I’ll take the consequences. But I felt like I’d generally done nothing wrong.”
Cheika will return to the touchline for the upcoming Midlands derby against Northampton Saints, where Leicester will aim for a third win from four in the new Premiership season.
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
The post Cheika fumes over Premiership ban appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
