Counties Manukau coach Tana Umaga has escaped any major sanction following a misconduct hearing today for abusing referee Glen Jackson after his side's 22-20 loss to Auckland at Eden Park on September 4.
It was alleged that Umaga abused Jackson in the tunnel after the game and then entered the officials' changing room where he continued his tirade before he was eventually removed.
Umaga also made headlines following the game when he suggested Jackson only refereed one side during the contest and his team had been hard done by.
The former All Blacks skipper was today given a suspended two-match ban after he appeared before independent judicial officer Chris Morris and the ban will only come into effect in the event he is the subject of any similar misconduct during this year's ITM Cup.
Essentially, Umaga has got off without punishment, which is a curious outcome.