LONDON: Toulouse lock Trevor Brennan was banned for life from rugby union Friday for punching a fan.
Brennan, who announced his retirement Tuesday in expectation of heavy sanctions, did not attend the London hearing.
The ban was imposed by the disciplinary panel of the European Rugby Cup. Brennan was also fined €25,000 (US$33,250) and ordered to pay €5,000 (US$6,650) in compensation to the fan he attacked.
On Jan. 21, the former Ireland forward climbed into the stands and punched Patrick Bamford during Toulouse's 28-13 win over Ulster in the Heineken Cup.
Brennan, 33, later apologized but said he was provoked by a group of Ulster fans who had insulted his mother and poured beer on him.
"It was the view of the committee that Mr. Brennan's behavior was completely unjustified and that he caused serious harm to an innocent spectator and significant damage to the image of rugby union," the three-man disciplinary panel said.
"The committee could not envisage more serious misconduct in relation to spectators and believed that the maximum permissible suspension was appropriate."
The ban specified that Brennan would never again be permitted to play rugby union or participate "in any capacity" in European Rugby Cup-organized tournaments.
Ireland's Trevor Brennan banned from rugby for life for punching fan
Ireland's Trevor Brennan banned from rugby for life for punching fan
