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Venter charged after fan row

London - Saracens director of rugby, and former South African centre Brendan Venter, was on Thursday charged with conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game after being accused of pushing a female Leicester fan.

Venter was also charged with making inappropriate comments and gestures to spectators following his side's 32-23 Premiership win at Leicester on Saturday.

Saracens chairman Nigel Wray said the club would mount "a vigorous defence, repudiating both charges against Venter".

In a club statement, Wray said: "I know Brendan well and it is simply inconceivable that a man of such outstanding qualities would act in this manner. We will take whatever action is necessary to protect Brendan's excellent reputation."

Chief executive Ed Griffiths was also unhappy that Venter had to sit amongst home supporters during Saturday's encounter at Welford Road, adding: "Brendan was put in an impossible situation at Leicester.

"Imagine Arsenal playing at Stamford Bridge, and Arsene Wenger being made to watch the game from a seat in the midst of passionate Chelsea season-ticket holders. It would not happen in football, yet that is exactly what happened on Saturday.

"Brendan did rise from his seat, but only because his view was restricted and he could not otherwise have followed play.

"Several Leicester supporters did complain and confront him, but it is a complete and total misrepresentation of the facts to suggest that Brendan pushed any Leicester supporter. This is simply not true.

"It is astonishing that the RFU has brought and publicised these charges after requesting statements only from Leicester supporters and stewards and so hearing only one side of the story.

"Brendan, a medical doctor, is rightly appalled that charges have been brought before anybody has even had the courtesy of speaking to him."

It is not the first time the 40-year-old has found himself in hot water with the authorities.

In January he was handed a suspended four-week ban for comments he made about referee David Rose after Sarries were defeated by the Tigers at Vicarage Road.

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