Poite

Leicester, for their part, felt strongly that the French official Romain Poite played the most decisive role.

Leicester turn air blue against Saracens in rage at referee exchange Robert Kitson at Vicarage Road 2010

Twickenham has launched an investigation into allegations that the Leicester head coach, Matt O'Connor, directed foul and abusive language at the referee Romain Poite during yesterday's Premiership defeat against Saracens at Vicarage Road so vocally that a local radio station, broadcasting the match live, had to issue an on-air apology to listeners.

Leicester's Matt O'Connor faces investigation over outburst at referee Paul Rees 2010

His burden is supposed to be lightened by regular cross-border exchanges, but you have only to hear a smidgen of what Matt O'Connor offered from the Leicester coaches 'bench about French referee Romain Poite to know that these excursions improve a foreigner's knowledge only of our robust vernacular.

Heineken Cup's clash of styles putting referees under huge scrutiny Eddie Butler 2010

Coach accused of abusing Romain Poite at Vicarage Road?

Leicester's Matt O'Connor faces investigation over outburst at referee Paul Rees 2010

Yet, as observed last week, the 35-year-old Poite is renowned for his stern refereeing of the scrummage and, with the International Rugby Board on the warpath over collapsed scrums, there was always a good chance of acrimony.

Are home-loving Six Nations referees becoming a law unto themselves? | Robert Kitson 2011

A penalty count of 13-5 against the Irish almost sunk them in Rome, made worse by Nick Mallett's revelation that Poite had previously written to the Italian Rugby Federation apologising for his handling of the same fixture 12 months ago.

Are home-loving Six Nations referees becoming a law unto themselves? | Robert Kitson 2011

Cockerill defended O'Connor, who allegedly called Poite a cheat.

Leicester's Matt O'Connor faces investigation over outburst at referee Paul Rees 2010

The afternoon was disrupted by injuries to Kelly Brown, Scotland's No8, whose chin took the full force of Matt Banahan's shoulder, and to the referee, Romain Poite, who limped from the field with a hamstring strain on the hour.

England hang on to their grand design with sloppy win over Scotland 2011

Leicester were angry at the way Poite, France's leading referee, handled the match and their director of rugby, Richard Cockerill, pondered the wisdom of an exchange official for a top English match.

Leicester's Matt O'Connor faces investigation over outburst at referee Paul Rees 2010

Last year Poite got it wrong because he thought Castro was boring in.

Are home-loving Six Nations referees becoming a law unto themselves? | Robert Kitson 2011