MUNSTER RUGBY HAS banned the supporter who confronted Saracens’ Billy Vunipola from attending games at Thomond Park and Irish Independent Park.
The fan entered the pitch at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry following Munster’s 32-16 Champions Cup semi-final defeat on 20 April to remonstrate with England international Vunipola, who had defended Israel Folau’s homophobic social media post.
The supporter was banned from the Ricoh Arena for that incident and Munster have now followed up by prohibiting him from attending games at the province’s two home stadiums, Thomond Park in Limerick and Irish Independent Park in Cork.
While a Munster Rugby statement does not confirm any duration for the ban, The42 understands that it essentially amounts to a lifetime ban.
Munster Rugby – who previously stated that the fan is not a member of their supporters’ club and does not hold a season ticket – underwent a thorough legal process to determine their rights in this regard.
“Following further investigation into the incident involving a spectator entering the field of play at the Ricoh Arena, the province can confirm that a decision has been made to prohibit the supporter from attending matches at Irish Independent Park and Thomond Park, in addition to the ban from the Ricoh Arena,” reads a statement from Munster Rugby.
“The province wishes to reiterate it does not condone the entry of any spectator to the field of play.
“While it was hugely disappointing to see a supporter breach the stadium regulations, the behaviour of this one individual is not reflective of our supporters.”
Vunipola has not served a ban from the game since ‘liking’ Folau’s homophobic post on Instagram and subsequently publishing his own post that said “man was made for woman to procreate.”
The 26-year-old was given a formal warning by both the RFU and Saracens, who said Vunipola “made a serious error of judgment in publicly sharing his opinion, which is inconsistent with the values of the club and contravenes his contractual obligations.”
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Super Hoops. Doing the LOI proud. A classy, dominant performance. Great to see, regardless who you support.
Great for League of Ireland. Well done, Rovers.
Great result for the Shams. Celtic might take another look at Kenny and give him a go there.
@Ian Cunningham: He is only on loan with SR
@Shanie: hence my comment about Celtic.
@Ian Cunningham: hence why he will be looked at non stop
@Shanie: rumour had it they were not keen on keeping him.
@Ian Cunningham: He’s already been recalled by Rodgers .
@Gerry Ivie: Really nice
@Ian Cunningham: Rumour’s rumour’s
@Ian Cunningham: Hed be far better off staying with Shamrock Rovers if he can than go to Scotland
Well done Rovers great performance, puts the league of Ireland out there and show people it’s at a high standard, not a Rovers fan put was cheering them on in every European match well done Stephen Bradley and staff…
Someone mentioned Celtic, who cares about them,Its all about Rovers, every L O I supporter should be proud ? Incedently was any of The Irish management there probably not ,more likely if there was a lower league match on England or Scotland they’d most likely be at it
@Jim Colhoun: that would be me, because Johnny Kenny is their player, though they haven’t seemed to rate him. His performances in Rurope might change that.
@Jim Colhoun: Hallgrimmsson has been at a lot of LoI grounds since he took over.
Kenny for ireland
@Teddy O neill: Better than idah
Jeez, great win for Rovers there- surely a Chelsea- Rovers final???
Amazing stuff
A lot of empty seats for an historical occasion!
@Alan Kennedy: ouch but true
@Alan Kennedy: 7442 not bad for December KOH
@Comments Section Closed: Bohs lol
@Comments Section Closed: honest question why are bohs such a sh*t team! Linfield B team Linfield B team hello hello!
Thrilled for the hoops…only culchie i know who supported them sonce the 60s…they’re always welcome in Shannon Airport
Let’s hope Chelsea rest a few players next week. Otherwise it could be a case of so close yet so far