Club Disciplinary officer Gary Cooper has been forced to publish the following letter after a three-week ban meted out to Chris Beaird after comments posted by him on his own personal Facebook page were reported to the RFU.

Initially Beaird faced a potential 12-week ban for bringing the game into disrepute, but after the facts were explained and showing great remorse for what was meant as a joke, but was easily read otherwise, the penalty was reduced.

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE, because the club is unlikely to be able to support you.

It reads:

“27th October 2014

To all members of L&Y RUFC

Please take note that we have been advised by the RFU that fines and bans will be imposed if any derogatory comments are put on any social media sites regarding referees or match officials.

As Club Disciplinary Officer I have full backing from the committee who confirm that the club will not tolerate this kind of behaviour and that anyone found to be breaching these regulations will be instantly banned from playing and will face a disciplinary hearing.

Please would you discuss this with everyone involved with L&Y RUFC, and make sure that they are fully aware of this situation.

Gary Cooper
Disciplinary Officer L&Y RUFC”

Quite rightly, the RFU takes the protection and respect of the game's officials extremely seriously, which is one reason why rugby maintains the fantastic ethos it does. This also serves as lesson that even a comment on your own social media page, blog or chat can reach a long way.