Steve Diamond banned for season after abusive comments towards match officials

Steve Diamond, director of rugby for Newcastle Falcons, has received a six-week ban for verbally abusing match officials, including calling them 'c****' and suggesting a TMO should retire. The incident occurred after a close match against Exeter Chiefs, where Diamond expressed frustration over a non-reviewed incident that led to a match-winning try. While he accepted his punishment and apologized, Diamond called for changes to the TMO process and greater accountability for referees. He argued that the current disciplinary measures lack proportionality, noting that his ban for verbal abuse is equivalent to that for serious on-field infractions like gouging. Diamond also emphasized the need for better oversight of match officials in the Premiership. The Rugby Football Union has tightened sanctions against abuse aimed at officials after a significant rise in reported incidents.