Toulon: Martin Castrogiovanni punished for Leicester rant

Toulon prop Martin Castrogiovanni (centre) played for Leicester Tigers from 2006 to 2013

Toulon prop Martin Castrogiovanni has been fined and given a suspended ban after he admitted misconduct charges for his rant against Leicester director of rugby Richard Cockerill.

Castrogiovanni, 33, made the comments to reporters after Toulon's European Champions Cup loss at Welford Road on 7 December.

He has been handed a four-game ban, suspended until April 2016.

The Italy forward must also make a 10,000 Euro donation to charity.

However, European Professional Club Rugby cleared the prop of claims he called his former club "amateurish".

While Castrogiovanni escaped an instant suspension, his team-mate Delon Armitage has been banned for 12 weeks for using foul and abusive language towards Leicester Tigers fans after the same game.

Castrogiovanni made his comments to reporters after Toulon's 25-21 defeat by Leicester.

The Independent Disciplinary Committee said in a statement that Castrogiovanni was guilty of misconduct and that the comments made were "utterly indefensible".

However, committee chairman Antony Davies accepted that Castrogiovanni's comments regarding Leicester being "amateur" were made in an ironic and questioning manner, and therefore did not constitute criticism.

A statement on behalf of Castrogiovanni said: "Martin is relieved that the panel accepted his explanation as to his remarks, since he has always had and continues to have a strong love for the club.

"He was genuinely remorseful for his comments after the match and this is reflected in the panel's sanctioning."