A new video has emerged showing the moment Johnny Sexton allegedly told referee Jaco Peyper that he was "a f***ing disgrace".
The Irishman confronted the match officials after watching his Leinster side lose 27-26 to La Rochelle in the Champions Cup final on May 20. While he was unavailable for the game through injury, the captain was present at the Aviva Stadium and made his feelings known towards the referee at half-time as he reportedly launched into a furious tirade.
According to South African newspaper The Rapport, Sexton launched a verbal attack on Peyper and his team at the break, with a source telling the outlet that the fly-half approached the officials and told them "you are all a f***ing disgrace,” before walking away to console one of his team-mates.
A clip of the alleged incident has now surfaced, with Sexton, dressed in a suit, seen striding over to the refereeing group and appearing to say something towards them while also making a gesture with his left hand. Assistant referee Karl Dickson appears to see him coming and puts his hand out to stop him from getting any closer, with the Irishman walking off seconds later.
It is claimed that Peyper did not hear Sexton's comments due to the raucous atmosphere inside the stadium. The Rapport claim they have obtained footage of the half-time exchange. It is reported that any action from the EPCR and World Rugby would depend on Peyper’s assistants – Karl Dickson and Christophe Ridley – confirming what happened.
While it remains to be seen whether World Rugby will take action against Sexton, he could face a ban which would potentially impact his involvement in the Rugby World Cup. The 37-year-old announced last year that he would be retiring from international rugby after the tournament in France, having led Ireland to Grand Slam glory in his last ever Six Nations game in March.
Sexton was also reported to have been involved in a half-time tunnel clash with La Rochelle coach Ronan O'Gara, along with Leinster coaching staff member Sean O'Brien
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