Worcester's James Collins walks his family off the pitch following a fracas at the end of the Warriors' defeat at Leeds

Worcester duo Chris Cracknell and James Collins have been suspended and fined after they became involved in a fracas between their fathers last month.

The incident happened in the aftermath of Worcester's defeat by Leeds on 25 April that confirmed their relegation.

Cracknell, who was handed a four-week ban, had pulled a spectator over the hoardings, while Collins, who was given a two-week ban, used abusive language.

Fined £500, plus £250 costs, the duo were warned over their future conduct.

Cracknell's four-week suspension will rule him out of England Sevens' plans for the next IRB World Series tournament at Twickenham.

The Rugby Football Union's disciplinary chief Judge Jeff Blackett, who handed out the punishments, was even more critical of the players' parents, saying they "deserve the greater censure for their inappropriate behaviour".

Blackett added: "Members of the public who attend rugby matches are entitled to expect a safe environment and in normal circumstances any player who abuses members of the public either physically or verbally must expect a very long suspension from the game.

"Both players acted instinctively because they thought members of their family were being physically attacked, when in fact they were involved in an altercation with each other.

"James Collins' abusive language was unedifying, but he did not use any physical force, and Chris Cracknell pulled a person over the hoarding onto the ground, but there is no evidence that he struck him."

Worcester have already held their own investigation and found both players guilty of misconduct.

Warriors found Collins guilty of verbal abuse of a spectator and Cracknell of physically abusing a spectator.

England Sevens international Cracknell has been suspended for two weeks, fined and given a final written warning about his future conduct, which will remain on his file for 12 months.

And Collins, a product of the club's academy, has been fined and given a written warning about his future conduct.

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