 Walsh misses the France v USA match |
Referee Steve Walsh has been handed a three-day suspension for "inapproriate behaviour", following his altercation with an England coach at the Rugby World Cup. He was involved in an argument with Dave Reddin over England's "16-man" fiasco after the match against Samoa.
As a result of the ban, Walsh will now not officiate Friday's game between France and the USA.
Reddin, who was also accused of misconduct for his part in the incident, was cleared.
However, the fitness coach was banned from his touchline duties for two games after he was found guilty of sending winger Dan Luger onto the field despite orders from match official Brett Bowden not to.
The English Rugby Football Union was also fined �10,000.
The full statement issued regarding Walsh's punishment, read: "Following an incident involving the fourth official, Mr Steve Walsh, and a member of the England management team at the conclusion of the England versus Samoa match on Sunday 26 October, an investigation has taken place today.
"Mr Walsh has subsequently been suspended for inappropriate behaviour during an exchange with a member of the England management team.
"He is suspended from 1400 Friday 31 October 2003 until 0900 on Monday 3 November.
"It is recognised that the event occurred during a particularly difficult situation.
"Mr Walsh will be available for selection beyond the pool rounds."
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
England heroes profiled