A RFU employee was thrown out of Wasps' Heineken Cup win against Clermont for striking a player with a programme.
Former Wasps skipper tries to hit Clermont prop with match programme.
A Rugby Football Union employee was thrown out of Wasps' Heineken Cup win against Clermont Auvergne for striking a player with a programme during the match.
Alan Black, a former Wasps captain, aimed a swipe a Clermont prop Martin Scelzo when a fight developed close to the sidelines at Adams Park.
Black raced over and tried to hit Scelzo with his matchday programme as the fight ensued between the two sets of players.
Black, who is employed as a leisure rugby manager by the RFU, was ejected from the ground for his actions, and Wasps chief executive Tony Copsey promised a full investigation into the incident.
"An individual was identified and expelled from the ground immediately," said Copsey.
"It was an unfortunate incident because something of this nature has never happened before.
"It's an unfortunate moment for rugby that an incident like this should happen during a fantastic match, possibly one of the best ever Heineken Cup games.
"The club will consider its position and will fully investigate what happened tonight.
"We won't over-react to the situation but want to look at it in its fullness. A season or lifetime ban might be forthcoming."
Worrying
Although only a programme was the weapon, it could have been worse, and there is sure to be some concern throughout the rugby world that a spectator could try and attack a player.
A spokesman for Heineken Cup organisers European Rugby Cup confirmed they will also investigate the incident.
He said: "ERC will contact Wasps on Monday for a full report. Roger O'Connor is the officer in charge and he will take up the matter with the club."
The worrying event occurred as Clermont back-rower Jamie Cudmore clashed with Wasps prop Tim Payne, and was sin-binned for repeatedly punching his opponent.
The ERC will also be reviewing that incident as referee Alain Roland could have shown Cudmore a red card for his actions.
Wasps captain Lawrence Dallaglio said Black's attack with the programme needed to be put into context.
He said: "Let's get it into perspective.
"A guy throws six punches and gets yellow-carded whereas another guy hits someone with a programme.
"The incident has to be taken in the context of what happened previously - a guy had thrown a load of punches."
Threatened
Wasps coach Shaun Edwards said Black must have been concerned that the brawl was taking place so close to him.
"It's not a lifetime ban," said Edwards. "The man felt threatened at the time - a guy had just come flying through and thrown six punches.
"A civilian of 60-odd years of age would automatically feel threatened. In the end it's a programme."
Clermont coach Vern Cotter insisted he did not see the incident unfold.
He said: "I didn't see anything and wasn't made aware of it. The first I've heard about it is now."
