Fullerians rugby 'trip' dad in RFU touchline ban Published duration 28 May 2014

image copyright Google image caption Watford's Fullerians Rugby Club said the tripping-up was "out of character" for the parent

A parent who tripped up an under-16s rugby player during a cup final has been handed a two-year touchline ban, the BBC has learned.

The Rugby Football Union's (RFU) decision followed the Hertfordshire Shield game between Watford's Fullerians and Royston on 27 April.

The father of a Fullerians' player was caught on camera making contact with a Royston player with his foot.

A spokesman for the Watford club said the action was "out of character".

It was when Royston, who eventually won 64-5, looked about to score another try that the father stuck out his foot and sent the youngster flying. The player was unhurt.

Some ropes were in place for the game to keep spectators back from the touchline, but officials said the man had walked around the pitch away from them.

Fullerians' originally banned the man for six matches and put him on probation.

Father 'apologised'

An RFU source told the BBC the punishment was handed out following an investigation by the Hertfordshire RFU with advice from Twickenham.

"The person involved has been banned from standing on the touchline for two years, he said.

"One year of the ban is suspended so he can return to watch games in a year, depending on good behaviour."

The RFU said it did not want to identify the father involved because it may have an impact on some of the other youngsters involved in the game.

Fullerians said the action was "out of character" for the father involved and that "he had apologised to everyone".