Apologize, Shake Hands And Get On With It!

I see that Brendan Venter's been charged by the RFU with conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game for allegedly pushing a female supporter from Leicester last Saturday afternoon. As stated in my previous blog Venter, the colourful Saracens Director of Rugby, was extremely animated during his side's away win at fortress Welford Road, inadvertently blocking the view for many Tigers season ticket holders each time he rose to his feet either to see the action more clearly or to remonstrate with referee's assessor, Brian Campsall. As Venter is already sitting on a four-week suspended touchline ban he may be in a bit of bother. That said, speaking as someone who watched the drama unfold from no more than 20 feet away, sense needs to prevail here. Venter should issue a general apology to any Leicester fans he may have upset, the RFU should have a serious "chat" with him, and away coaches from next season should not, under any circumstances, be forced to sit in the midst of a partisan home crowd. I actually had to pull one Leicester fan away from the Saracens coaches at the end of the game because he was mouthing off and advancing towards them. At no point did I see Venter purposefully push anyone although there will be few Leicester fans who sat near him in the Crumbie stand who would not, no doubt, like to see the South African banned. There is too much agenda here to take punitive action. Instead rugby, Leicester and Saracens should see the PR opportunity that this mess has presented and take it.