Connacht coach Pat Lam has been fined €3,000 (plus a further €5,000 suspended) after accepting a Pro12 disciplinary charge of misconduct for criticising an official.
Lam strongly criticised assistant referee Leighton Hodges after what he called a "completely wrong" controversial call that helped Cardiff Blues record an added-time win over Connacht in the sides' Pro12 encounter on 6 March.
Lam appeared before a disciplinary committee today and accepted a charge of misconduct for having "publicly criticised and/or questioned the integrity of one of the assistant referees from that match, Leighton Hodges."
Lam, who had received a written warning from the disciplinary officer about similar conduct last season, was also ordered to pay a contribution to the costs of the hearing (including the legal costs incurred by the disciplinary officer).
The Disciplinary Officer, Mr Davis, commented: "While we understand that passions and emotions run high during and after matches, we have to uphold the reputation of the tournament and protect our match officials from public criticism and attacks on their character.
"If coaches or others wish to provide feedback – positive or negative – on the performance of match officials, we at PRO12 welcome that feedback, but there is a clear mechanism for providing that feedback privately."
Lam has the right to appeal the verdict.
