Rugby has been hit with more racism controversy after the RFU confirmed a former council member has been banned for calling a union volunteer a 'black c**t'.
Andrew Sarek pleaded guilty to the racial slur after attending England's match with Wales at Twickenham on August 12.
The RFU, after hearing considerable evidence, have ruled Sarek should be banned from attending any rugby match in England.
He is also forbidden from 'performing any act of administration' during that period.
Sarek has also been informed that any future involvement in the sport as a spectator or official hinges on completing the union's online education module, entitled Tackling Racism in Sport.
Had he not pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity he was likely to have received a two-year ban.
The RFU wanted a tough punishment.
The verdict states: "Mr Sarek showed no insight into his racist behaviour. Education is a vital part of this sanction."
Sarek also released a statement saying: "I am not a racist, nor have I ever been accused of being one, or for having racist views."
He added: "What I said was crass and insensitive and I am very sorry for the hurt and distress I caused.
"If there needs to be a disciplinary hearing, I am prepared to accept whatever punishment the panel deems appropriate."
It isn't the first case of racism the RFU have had to deal with this year.
Alex Murphy was banned earlier this year for saying: "You realise they don't let n*****s' in the Royal Box."
There has been controversy at the Rugby World Cup, too.
England star Tom Curry complained to the referee that he was called a white 'c**t' by South Africa hooker Bongi Mbonambi during last Saturday's semi-final showdown.
An investigation into the 32-year-old has since been dropped, however.
The RFU have since released a statement saying: "The RFU fully support Tom Curry in raising the racially abusive behaviour he experienced whilst playing for England against South Africa.
"During the match between England and South Africa on Saturday 21st October 2023, Tom Curry reported to the referee that he had been racially abused by Mbongeni (Bongi) Mbonambi.
"The subsequent World Rugby investigation were informed by Tom Curry that he had also been the victim of the same abuse, from the same player, in the autumn Test 2022.
"World Rugby have today announced their decision not to bring charges in respect of either incident.
"The RFU are deeply disappointed by the decision taken by World Rugby.
"The decision not to put the evidence before an Independent Disciplinary Panel has denied the disciplinary process the opportunity to hear Tom Curry’s voice and to independently assess his account of these serious events, together with the other available evidence.
"In their continued full support of Tom, the RFU together with the England squad, condemn the disgusting abuse he and his family has received on social media as a result of his having had the courage to put unacceptable behaviour that has no place in society or on the rugby field, in the public eye.
"Abuse of any kind is not acceptable and goes against the core values of rugby.
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England star Tom Curry claimed he had been called a 'white c**t' during South Africa Rugby World Cup defeat
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"It is important that it is safe and acceptable for everyone involved in rugby union to raise concerns, and the RFU continue to encourage everyone to report any unacceptable behaviour in the game."
