Hearing over Brennan incident

Irish rugby star Trevor Brennan will appear before a disciplinary hearing in Dublin today for allegedly lashing out at an Ulster…

Irish rugby star Trevor Brennan will appear before a disciplinary hearing in Dublin today for allegedly lashing out at an Ulster fan during a Heineken Cup clash.

The Toulouse player is accused of entering a seating area during a match against Ulster and punching supporter Patrick Bamford.

Last week a legal team for the player secured a 24-hour injunction in Dublin's High Court against the disciplinary hearing on the grounds that its outcome could prejudice any criminal proceedings in France and affect his right to silence.

Lawyers for both Brennan and the European Rugby Cup (ERC) later agreed that a hearing could go ahead, but only to discuss whether or not a full hearing would prejudice a criminal case.

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No criminal charges have yet been brought in relation to the incident, however this week Mr Bamford said he had instructed a lawyer in France to pursue criminal and civil proceedings against the player.

He is also taking libel action against a number of news organisations which reported the incident.

TV footage showed Brennan entering the seating area during the game in France on Sunday, January 21st, where it is alleged he punched the 25-year-old accountant, who lives in London.

Brennan (33) who has since apologised for the incident, claimed he was provoked by derogatory chants during the game.

The disciplinary hearing will be held at the ERC office on St Stephen's Green before chair Jeff Blackett, the Rugby Football Union's disciplinary chief, Rod McKenzie (Scotland) and Achille Reali (Italy).