Brumbies fly half Matt Giteau has avoided a suspension for his public criticism of referee Steve Walsh who was removed from refereeing the Brumbies match against the Reds this weeekend.
Giteau was fined $5,000 after a SANZAR disciplinary hearing on Wednesday night where he was found guilty of breaching the Super 14's player code of conduct.
The Brumbies lost their match against the Waratahs 19-12 under Walsh which means that they have to beat the Reds this weekend to stay in contention for a play off place.
The avoidance of a suspension means that Giteau is free to play in Saturday's vital clash against the Reds at Canberra Stadium.
The Brumbies were left fuming after Walsh's decision to disallow a Brumbies try by Adam Ashley-Cooper without calling for the TMO to look at the TV replays.
Giteau suggested that the Brumbies would not "turn up" if the Sydney-based New Zealander Walsh was appointed to referee Saturday's match against the Reds.
Walsh has however since been replaced by Chris Pollock for the match with SANZAR referee boss Lyndon Bray saying that Walsh's position was "untenable" due to the "hype" surrounding Giteau's comments.
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