Saracens director of rugby Brendan Venter has been charged with conduct prejudicial to the game for his comments on the standard of refereeing in the Guinness Premiership.

Venter was speaking after Saturday's defeat to Leicester Tigers and will now face a Rugby Football Union disciplinary panel on Tuesday, January 19 where he could be given a touchline ban.

The former London Irish coach was surprised by the penalty count against the Tigers which went from heavily in their favour in the first half to strongly against them in the second half.

He questioned referee David Rose's decision to sinbin Steve Borthwick for lazy running in the second half. Venter also revealed he had received an apology for the officiating of referee Dean Richards during their defeat to Irish last week.

The Guinness Premiership leaders have issued a strong defence of their coach.

Chief executive Edward Griffiths said: "The club will mount a vigorous defence. Brendan offered an impassioned, rational and widely supported analysis of problems currently facing the game.

He did not question the integrity of the referee at any stage and, in fact, on the contrary, stressed on several occasions he does not believe any of the officials are dishonest."