Toulouse lock Trevor Brennan regrets having an altercation with an Ulster fan during the Heineken Cup clash between the sides on Sunday, but claims he only acted after being repeatedly baited by supporters.
The former Ireland international seems certain to be facing a lengthy suspension and possible fine after the alleged assault.
Brennan, who was on replacement duty for the match, had been warming up with his fellow Toulouse substitutes when he claims he was verbally abused by a group of Ulster fans.
The second-row forward then climbed into the stand and was involved in an incident with an Irish supporter.
In a statement, Brennan has apologised for his actions but claims he was provoked into reacting.
'When I was warming up, I heard a group of supporters sing: "Brennan, your mother is a *****",' read the statement, an extract of which appeared in Tuesday's edition of L'Equipe.
'One of them looked me in the eyes, and again started to sing "Brennan, your mother ...".
'I then climbed the wall and had an altercation with this person. I regret this incident.
'But I didn't initiate it. That is the last thing I wished to do.'
Brennan added he had a good relationship with Ulster fans but insisted such provocation was unlike anything he had experienced before.
The statement continued: 'I have always respected and I have always been respected by opposition supporters.
'I have often played against Ulster and not had these problems. I met their supporters days earlier and it was a true pleasure.
'I love rugby, I love Toulouse and the supporters, but I love my family and my mother more than all that.'
