Bonkers Brendan Provides the Entertainment

So, who else was there at Welford Road on Saturday to watch Saracens destroy Leicester's proud home record and their Director of Rugby, Brendan Venter, go bonkers? Well, the answer is, plenty, because it all went on in the Crumbie Stand approximately 20 feet from where I was sitting. The problem was that the referee's assessor, Brian Campsall, was sitting directly behind Venter which meant that every time the former Springbok had a problem with referee Andrew Small's decisions he would leap up to his feet like a jack-in-a-box and harangue Campsall. In doing so he blocked the view of a good many Leicester season ticket holders who, the longer it went on, made their feelings known. This only seemed to fuel Venter who appeared to stay longer and longer on his feet, which prompted a series of "frank" discussions with members of the Tigers faithful. It also prompted Campsall to move at half-time and find a new seat closer to me, although it failed to stop Venter making the journey over to him after the break as well to vent his fury. It all meant that as much action was taking place in the stands than out on the pitch, capped off by an extravaganr fist punching and arms in the air celebration when Saracens scored late in the second half to win the game, followed by an exaggerated bow and wave as Venter left for the dressing room a couple of minutes before the final whistle. Now, there were plenty of irate Leicester fans, Venter's actions were inappropriate and bordering on incitement, and coaches should not be allowed to sit right in the middle of a crowd. That said, it was also tremendous fun. Sport needs its characters and Venter, whatever your take may be on this, is definitely a character. He may not always be right in his actions and his words, but Brendan Venter provides a breath of fresh air that ensures that Saracens, at least, is never a dull place!