Munster have this evening had their say on an incident in the wake of their European Champions Cup defeat to Saracens, that saw a man adorned in the province's jersey - and a fetching pair of Crocs - encroach onto the pitch before confronting Billy Vunipola.
Vunipola, who earlier this week caused controversy when seeming to jump to the defence of Australian international Israel Folau after the former New South Wales Waratahs winger posted a highly controversial and explicitly homophobic Instagram post that supported the belief that "sinners" would go to Hell.
After European club rugby's governing body, the EPCR, called the incident "regrettable" in a statement yesterday evening, Munster has more-or-less followed suit 24 hours later. The statement confirmed that the man who confronted the 26-year-old was not affiliated to their official supporters club.
Aligned with EPCR, Munster Rugby do not condone the entry of any spectator to the field of play.
The incident following the Champions Cup semi-final at the Ricoh Arena on Saturday involved a spectator wearing a Munster jersey.
The province wishes to confirm that the identified spectator is not a member of the Munster Rugby Supporters Club, and does not hold a season ticket with the province.
Munster Rugby will investigate the incident further.
The England No 8 scored the second of the London side's two tries in their 32-16 win in the sun at Coventry's Ricoh Arena. Having been jeered continually by the travelling Munster support throughout the encounter, the Australian born back row was defiant in a post-match interview stating that he "believes what [he] believes in".
A number of spectators were spotted with rainbow flags, a recognised symbol in support of the LGBTQIA community, inside the stadium throughout the game.
