Harlequins are spitting blood over faking fine and ban

Harlequins are set to appeal the 12-month ban imposed on full-back Tom Williams and £215,000 club fine for faking a blood injury.

After hearing three days of evidence, Heineken Cup organisers decided that Williams had not suffered a mouth cut during their 6-5 quarter-final defeat by Leinster at the Twickenham Stoop on 12 April.

At the time, Leinster officials had complained about Williams's blood-injury replacement that allowed him to be replaced by fly-half Nick Evans, who had earlier left the pitch with a knee injury.

Quins chief executive Mark Evans has always strenuously denied rumours of a blood capsule being used and he is now taking legal advice about a possible appeal.

The three-man ERC disciplinary committee stunned the Guinness Premiership club representatives yesterday by banning Williams and imposing the huge fine - half of which is suspended for two years.

In a statement, the club said: "Harlequins are both surprised and disappointed at the decision, particularly so in the light of the acquittal of Dean Richards (director of rugby), Steph Brennan (physio) and Dr Wendy Chapman on similar or identical charges.

"The club and the player will consider their position in the light of the written judgement due to be handed down."

An ERC spokesman said: "It was the view of the Committee that this was a very serious offence and one that damaged the reputation of the tournament and of rugby union."