Alphonsi disappointed by Smith punishment over sexist social media post

Former England international Maggie Alphonsi has criticised the punishment given to Rugby Football Union council member Matthew Smith for posting discriminatory criticism of her.Smith, who is chairman of Warwickshire RFU and a chartered quantity surveyor, was found to have breached the council's code of conduct by an independent disciplinary panel.Alphonsi, a 2014 World Cup winner who played 74 times for England, was working as a pundit for ITV during the France vs England match this year when Smith wrote on Facebook: "Can someone explain to me WTF does Maggie Alphonsi know about men's rugby?"England star Ellie Kildunne to leave HarlequinsNot got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contractChoose the Sky Sports push notifications you wantThe panel found Smith had breached the code of conduct by publishing a discriminatory post and risking reputational damage to the RFU and the game.As a result, Smith, who accepted both charges, was stripped of his privileges as a council member for seven months, including tickets to England games, free meals and travel expenses.