I heard a remark

[duschek]

N/S bid to a lightish and making 4♠ without interference. After the hand, East summons the TD, explaining that he had heard a remark from the next table that 4♠ would make. The players from the neighbouring table confirm that such a remark was given after they had completed the hand, possibly a bit too loudly.

 

Half of the field bids the game, so 4♠ making is worth 75%, while a spade partial is worth 25%. You quote Law 16C, telling East that he should have called you immediately after hearing the remark.

 

What is your ruling if

 

1) you are confident that N/S did not hear the remark.

2) N/S may have heard the remark, although you are not sure at all.

3) N/S tell you that they also heard the remark.