Oyonnax wing handed 1 year ban for ref threats

Paris - Oyonnax wing Silvere Tian was on Wednesday banned until June 30, 2017 for having directed "threatening actions or words" towards referee Romain Poite during a Top 14 match earlier this month.

Ivory Coast international Tian, 35, was yellow-carded by Poite in the 67th minute of Oyonnax's 27-20 defeat to Grenoble on April 2.

But Tian's reaction saw Poite change his sanction to a red card, after which the sturdy wing became threatening towards the referee.

The ban, handed down by the French National Rugby League (LNR), could spell the end of Tian's career as he will be a month short of his 37th birthday when it expires, and will also be out of contract by then.

Tian apologised to Poite after the match but his outburst also cost his team a fine of €10,000.

Oyonnax, who are almost certain to be relegated to the French second division at the end of the season, had already suspended Tian on April 15.