A highly respected Tayside rugby coach who assaulted a 13-year-old during an Angus match has been admonished by a sheriff after a three-month good behaviour order.
However, a court heard Keith Richiardi may still be subject to a listing restriction by Discloure Scotland in the wake of the conviction.
Earlier this year, Richiardi was found guilty after trial of a “technical” assault against the youngster, after he ran onto the Carnoustie pitch and remonstrated with him after believing the player had his son in a headlock.
The incident happened during a match between the Dundee Eagles and Montrose at an Angus rugby festival on December 1 last year, when former firefighter Richiardi “saw red” after the on-pitch “stramash”.
Richiardi, of Balmerino Place, Dundee, told the trial in evidence that he was concerned about a possible neck injury to his son and believed the match referee had not seen the incident.
He admitted helping the boy up by his collar and turning him round to remonstrate with him, as well as shouting “deck him” as he ran towards the disturbance.
He told the trial: “I was angry the coach within me went for a moment or two I was just a dad concerned for the health of my son.”
Richiardi, 60, appeared back before Sheriff Gregor Murray at Forfar on Thursday having been the subject of a good behaviour order since his conviction.
Defence solicitor Gary Foulis said Richiardi had spoken to the Dundee Eagles club president the day after his conviction and had been censured and suspended for two months.
He said the accused had resigned from coaching and has no direct involvement with the players, but remains very much involved in arranging fixtures on the club’s behalf.
Mr Foulis added: “In respect of Disclosure Scotland, they have advised that they are considering him for listing, and invited him to make representations.
“These have been sent off and around a dozen character references and letters of support have been submitted, but no decision has been taken at this moment in time.”
Sheriff Murray told Richiardi: “Essentially what we have here is a moment of utter madness in the course of an otherwise distinguished association with the club by a retired firefighter. This has had an effect on the club, and now Disclosure Scotland has taken an interest.”
Sheriff Murray said that in the circumstances he was prepared to take the step of admonishing Richiardi.
“This is not to be considered that in any way I condone what you did, but a reflection of the matters mentioned,” the sheriff commented.