Court date for Toulouse player Yoann Maestri over alleged fan assault

Maestri, 24, is alleged to have lashed out at a supporter who was taunting the 19-stone player as he left the pitch at Murrayfield last weekend.

The player, who was questioned by police following the fan’s complaint, has now been told he must return to Scotland for a court date, it has been reported.

A Lothian and Borders Police spokesperson said: “A 24-year-old French national was charged with assault following an incident last Saturday. He will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.”

Following the quarter-final which Edinburgh won 19-14, an investigation was launched by the Heineken Cup organisers, ERC, into allegations that supporters had abused Toulouse players.

There were reports that several supporters hurled abuse at the Toulouse bench, which was located beside the running track. Maestri, as well as Samoan prop Census Johnston and Toulouse coaches, were allegedly targets.

Maestri missed the club’s charter flight after being asked to offer an explanation of events, it has been reported. He later flew home in the company of Toulouse officials, including club president Rene Bouscatel.

Edinburgh officials will be asked to provide their own statement in response to the allegations as part of their post-match follow-up report.

Meanwhile, Leinster ran eight tries past Edinburgh at the RDS in a 54-13 win last night to secure a home semi-final in the RaboDirect PRO12. The runaway league leaders are guaranteed to finish in the top two now.

Shane Jennings’ fortuitous early try was cancelled out by Nick De Luca’s 11th-minute effort, before Leinster pulled away for an 18-7 interval lead and in the second half they ran in five second-half tries.