Rugby Union club Bath are coming under increasing pressure to reveal and punish the player who was responsible for an ear biting incident over the weekend.

The bite left London Scottish flanker, Simon Fenn, seriously injured. He had to receive more than 25 stitches in the lower part of his left ear and could still require a skin graft. The incident took place during the Tetley's Bitter cup match on Saturday, which Bath won.

The BBC's Alistair Yeomans reports (Dur: 0-44)

London Scottish has urged Bath to take severe disciplinary action against the player responsible and are pointing the finger of suspicion at three front-row players.

England prop-forwards Kevin Yates and Victor Ubogu together with Argentinian hooker Federico Mendez have been cited by Scottish officials.

Twelve month ban

Bath, who won the tie 24-23, are continuing their inquiries, but Second Division London Scottish want a minimum 12-month ban and financial compensation for both player and club.

"London Scottish are disappointed that no Bath player has yet been willing to admit responsibility for the incident at the Recreation Ground yesterday," read a statement released by the club.

"We understand that Bath are seeking to complete their own internal inquiry as soon as possible, and hopefully find the player responsible and prepare the appropriate punishment.

He may still need a skin graft

"Knowing the tradition of Bath, we remain hopeful that they will react responsibly for this incident."

Fenn, a 26-year-old Australian making his Scottish first team debut, was hurt just before half-time in a thrilling tie which Bath won 24-23.

'A lot of blood'

The horrified match referee Ashley Rowden said: "It was similar to the Evander Holyfield incident involving Mike Tyson."

The 39th-minute incident went unseen by Rowden, although he did issue Bath captain Andy Nicol with a general warning and penalised the home side.

"In my experience as a referee, I have never experienced anything like it," said Rowden. "The player was clearly missing some part of his ear lobe, and it looked quite bad. There was a lot of blood."

The match was not televised, and any available video footage is unlikely to highlight an incident that happened on the blindside of a collapsed scrum, although there is clearly an overwhelming case for Bath to take their own action.

Investigation underway

Given Bath's immediate fixture schedule - a league clash at leaders Newcastle, a fifth round cup tie against Richmond and Heineken Cup final appointment with holders Brive - they are unlikely to take the drastic step of banning their entire pack.

Bath made a brief response to Scottish's statement, saying: "Bath Rugby Club has launched an investigation into events surrounding the serious injury suffered by Simon Fenn during Saturday's match.

"The club fully understands the seriousness of the allegations made, and will conduct a full and proper inquiry."
 

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