ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Wednesday Nov 17, 2021

Referee Berry felt reputation was damaged due to Erasmus 'attack'

Referee Nic Berry, who was the official on the other end of Rassie Erasmus’ online tirade during the Lions series, has stated that immeasurable damage has been caused. 

ADVERTISEMENT

The world cup winning coach used social media to highlight refereeing inconsistencies, starting with the Lions’ defeat to South Africa ‘A’, and after the first Test released an hour-long video critiquing the performance of the officials.

Erasmus was today banned from all rugby activities for 2 months and all matchday activities for a year, while SA rugby were also fined and also received a warning.

In the 80-page written judgement accompanying the outcome, the committee highlighted the human cost of the episode to Nic Berry, the referee who was Erasmus’ main target.

The committee said it was impressed by Berry’s “quiet dignity, humility, and the restraint he showed during his evidence” and acknowledged the “profound effect” the episode had on him.

“Needless to say, the whole situation has been an extremely difficult time for my family and I,” Berry said.

“The public attack on my integrity and character is not something that should be tolerated in any workplace.

ADVERTISEMENT

“I feel that Mr Erasmus engaged in a character assassination of me on social media. I have spent many years trying to build my reputation as an international referee and in the course of his video which was posted online, Mr Erasmus has caused it immeasurable damage.

“My reputation throughout the rugby community has suffered immeasurably. His actions are against everything our game stands for and I feel it’s important to take a stand against such behaviour.”

Erasmus and SA Rugby have confirmed in a statement that they will appeal against the decisions.

“SA Rugby and Rassie Erasmus have noted the decision of World Rugby’s judicial committee,” the statement said.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Both parties confirmed they will exercise their rights to appeal the verdicts. Neither party will make any further comment until the process is complete.”

SUMMARY:

RASSIE ERASMUS

  • Suspension with immediate effect from all rugby activities for two months
  • Suspension from all match-day activities (including coaching, contact with match officials, and media engagement) with immediate effect until 30 September, 2022
  • A warning as to his future conduct and an apology to the relevant match officials.

SA RUGBY

  • A fine of £20,000
  • A warning as to future conduct and an apology to the relevant match officials

Related Articles

  • 61 WEEKS AGO

    Ellis Genge puts on his boxing gloves ready...

  • 61 WEEKS AGO

    Crazy scenes as player deliberately kicks...

  • 61 WEEKS AGO

    RFU make decision on transgender players...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    South African schoolboy produces the greatest goosey in the sport

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Highlights video shows just why Vakatawa’s return is so highly anticipated

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Individual brilliance as player scores off his own kick off

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Match Report: Australia challenge the All Black HAKA in extraordinary test

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 16 HOURS AGO

    Shocking record set to be broken at this year’s World Cup

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Tom Curry receives ban following red card tackle against Argentina

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Off the ball 'punches' being called out by fans following All Blacks vs Springbok match

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Scott Barrett's World Cup on the rocks following reckless shoulder charge

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Bizarre tackle school video divides viewers

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 16 HOURS AGO

    Shocking record set to be broken at this year’s World Cup

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Dane Coles stunned as he hears news of Steve Hansen joining the Wallabies

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Moment of madness leads to incredible Springbok score

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Highlights video shows just why Vakatawa’s return is so highly anticipated

View All

Funnies

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Irish players prove the work/life balance is possible even at a World Cup

  • 5 DAYS AGO

    Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber offers ice cold response at the press conference

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Stone Cole’d: Dan Cole channels his inner Steve Austin in brilliant behind the scenes action

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Chaos ensues as off-field substitute is caught up in try scoring opportunity

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Springboks set to sing additional song post national anthem in future test matches

View All

Amateur

  • 37 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 38 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 61 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 61 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 61 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 13 HOURS AGO

    Jersey Reds player evicted from own home following club collapse

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Irish players prove the work/life balance is possible even at a World Cup

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Watch Namibian wingers display incredible speed against Uruguay

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Vakatawa signs for English Premiership side in sensational return to rugby

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Exclusive: 'The Aussie DNA is missing' - David Campese reflects on Wallaby exit and ponders the future of Aussie rugby

View All