EPCR to investigate Saracens-Munster melee

European Champions Cup organisers have launched an investigation into a mass melee during Saracens’ win over Munster on Saturday.

Tempers flared during the second half of a 15-6 Pool 4 victory for the defending champions at Allianz Park.

Sarries assistant coach Alex Sanderson alleged in an interview with BT Sport that a comment about England hooker Jamie George’s weight made by the Irish province’s chief medic sparked the fracas.

Mark McCall, the Saracens director of rugby, later added: “Clearly, this shouldn’t happen, we all know that. I don’t think what was said to Jamie was good at all. It started a 30-man brawl.

“Owen Farrell got penalised for running into the melee but, from what I saw, 29 other people ran into it. It was a strange penalty to give and it was instigated by a member of their staff who said something horrible to one of our players.

“Something pretty bad was said at Jamie. He wouldn’t have reacted the way he reacted otherwise. We’ll take our time to decide whether we do anything.”

European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) on Sunday confirmed it will look into the ugly scenes.

“EPCR has decided to investigate incidents which occurred during the second half of the Champions Cup, Round 4 match between Saracens and Munster Rugby at Allianz Park yesterday,” a statement from the governing body read.

“Information will now be sought from the match officials and from both clubs, and EPCR will be making no further comment until the investigation has been completed.”

Munster remain second behind Racing 92 with two matches to play despite the defeat, a point better off than Sarries.

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