And what about Mike Maclellan's pint throwing incident ???--- how long did he last???

Another good example. He was subject to a torrent of abuse before he reacted that way, as was Davidson, so it's hardly mitigation that Kyle can rely on.

Saints have set a clear precedent on the conduct they expect between coaching / playing staff and fans - and Eastmond has acted outside of this by some distance IMO.

There is such ill feeling now about this lad, even if there was no warning I doubt you could play the guy with adding disruption to the team spirit.

I fail to see why picking him because he has a slightly famous name makes any sense if it knocks the team out of it's stride.

He's a young player and had 4 games as our pivot, he did not shape up now it's someone elses turn regardless of the hulabaloo, that he has managed to stoke up about himself via his agent.

That's if he was guilty. I don't remember seeing Kyle making any hand gesture to the fans. Other people think he made a gesture but not a rude one. Still others think he made a rude gesture.

Irrespective of what you or I think we saw, the media are reporting that several fans have formally complained of obscene gestures.

Now if the reporting is true (i.e. several independent accounts describing the same incident), I'd say that Saints have the makings of a strong case. The next step, if I were investigating, would be to speak to the players.

If there was any corroboration of the allegation there, I'd have him out the door so fast he'd not have chance to preen himself in the mirror.

This is my issue with the whole situation - I'm not sure random agenda driven eyewitness reports should see someone sacked. There are just as many people stating they he just pointed at the crowd over his shoulder.

Don't get me wrong, I'd like to see the back of him, but I'm not sure that a flimsy witch hunt is the way to go. Then again, there could be more to the story than the alleged gestures; I don't know.

Saints need to wrap this up asap. If he has done something considered gross misconduct he should be dealt with by now. If he hasn't they should admit as much and clear his name. Either way they can also tell us if he is ever going to play for us again, so as to avoid any possible disruption.

What's the rush? If he's cleared he's unlikely to get in the side at the moment anyway. If they are planning to see him off with gross misconduct then they need to make sure their case is absolutely watertight. If that takes a bit of time then fine.

and to think your sparring partner was all worried about you

Once he's gone, I can see a gary coleman lookilike pitchside on match days, with a bandit's mask and a swag bag full of cash being chased by Boots the dog.