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Last Updated: Monday, 12 March 2007, 16:57 GMT
Murrayfield, Edinburgh - 10 March, 2007
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John Hayes shows his concern for O'Gara after the incident
John Hayes tries to open O'Gara's mouth after the incident
Scotland rugby players have been cleared of foul play during the 19-18 defeat by Ireland at Murrayfield.

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan claimed a Scotland player deliberately choked Ronan O'Gara in Saturday's game.

But the independent citing commissioner Brian Fowler said he had found "no incidents of foul play".

O'Sullivan said O'Gara lost consciousness during the incident in the closing seconds as Ireland secured the Triple Crown.

"Someone had their arm around his neck, cut off his air supply and he went blue," said the Ireland coach.

SIX NATIONS BLOG
BBC Scotland's John Beattie

In a statement, RBS Six Nations Rugby Ltd said: "After studying all the footage and evidence provided to him after the match, using all means at his disposal in the time permitted of 50 hours from kick-off, including enhanced images on game analysis software, (the independent citing commissioner) has found no incidents of foul play to cite under the 6 Nations and IRB regulations under which all matches in the RBS 6 Nations Championship are played."

A Scotland Rugby spokesman firmly denied any allegation of foul play.

O'Sullivan acknowledged he had not seen the incident from his vantage point in the stand, but he clearly had been told of the allegations by Ireland players after the game.

"I'm sat in the stands like everyone else and he was at the bottom of a ruck with people on top of him," said the Ireland coach.

"When the ruck broke up Ronan had gone blue and was losing consciousness.

"The doctor came on, checked his air supply was clear and he started breathing again. It's an unfortunate incident but it happened."

O'Sullivan added that the incident was "totally out of character with the game".

"They're (the Scotland players) all honourable fellas and one of them will put their hands up."




SEE ALSO
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