Sexton charged with misconduct after rant at SA ref Peyper

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Ireland's star Johnny Sexton's dream World Cup farewell hangs in the balance following a misconduct complaint lodged by the European Professional Club Rugby.

Sexton and Leinster have been charged with misconduct after Sexton's outburst towards match officials during the Champions Cup Final in May.

The 37-year-old was reportedly in a post-match altercation with South African referee Jaco Peyper and his assistant English duo of Karl Dickson and Christophe Ridley after Leinster's defeat to La Rochelle in Dublin.

In the wake of the media frenzy, video footage appeared which clearly shows the injured Leinster captain, in a suit, approaching the match officials to share some thoughts.

He is ‘alleged to have mouthed obscenities towards the three on-pitch officials’ – Peyper, Dickson and Ridley.

Sexton, who missed the game due to injury, is reported to have allegedly told them that they were a “disgrace” and he also used expletives.

On Thursday, the EPCR released an official statement, which confirmed that a misconduct complaint has been lodged against Sexton and Leinster for his conduct towards match officials after the European Cup Final last month.

Sexton's hearing will take place via video conference, on July 13.

The governing body stated: "After thorough fact-finding and careful review of Sexton’s behaviour towards match officials after the match, in accordance with EPCR regulations, the EPCR Disciplinary Officer has submitted misconduct complaints so that an independent disciplinary panel can determine whether any misconduct has been committed by Sexton (through his behaviour) and Leinster (through failing to exercise reasonable control over Sexton).

"The complaints were referred to the Chairman of the Independent Disciplinary Panel, who has appointed Christopher Quinlan KC (England, Chair), Adam Casselden SC (Australia) and Marcello D’Orey (Portugal) as the independent Disciplinary Committee to hear the case and consider whether misconduct took place."

Sexton now faces the prospect of missing World Cup warm-up matches – perhaps even some games in the tournament – should the EPCR decide to slap him with a severe punishment.