Publications
Partners
Cape Town - The Crusaders have complained to governing body SANZAR about the pitch invasion late in Saturday's Super Rugby match against the Western Force, describing the Perth ground security as "disgraceful and unacceptable".
According to the Fox Sports website, several members of the crowd ran onto the playing surface during the dying minutes of the match won 16-14 by the Force.
Five men were taken into custody following the incident which forced referee Jonathan Kaplan to stop the game at a key moment as the visitors pushed to overhaul a two-point deficit.
Crusaders chief executive Hamish Riach, who was at the game, agreed with Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder that the match was disrupted in an untimely manner for their team.
"(It was) disgraceful and unacceptable in our view and needs investigating.
"To have four or five people on the ground and to have security staff unable to manage it, is the issue."
Riach was incredulous that Crusaders centre Ryan Crotty and assistant coach Dave Hewitt - a former All Blacks prop - had to deal with two of the invaders rather than ground security.
SANZAR boss Greg Peters said a full report had been sought from match managers and stadium officials.
According to the Fox Sports website, several members of the crowd ran onto the playing surface during the dying minutes of the match won 16-14 by the Force.
Five men were taken into custody following the incident which forced referee Jonathan Kaplan to stop the game at a key moment as the visitors pushed to overhaul a two-point deficit.
Crusaders chief executive Hamish Riach, who was at the game, agreed with Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder that the match was disrupted in an untimely manner for their team.
"(It was) disgraceful and unacceptable in our view and needs investigating.
"To have four or five people on the ground and to have security staff unable to manage it, is the issue."
Riach was incredulous that Crusaders centre Ryan Crotty and assistant coach Dave Hewitt - a former All Blacks prop - had to deal with two of the invaders rather than ground security.
SANZAR boss Greg Peters said a full report had been sought from match managers and stadium officials.
