All Blacks lock Scott Barrett has been suspended for three weeks after he was red-carded in Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash with the Wallabies.
The Sanzaar Foul Play Review Committee accepted a guilty plea from Barrett for contravening Law 9.16: ‘A player must not charge or knock down an opponent carrying the ball without attempting to grasp the player.’
Barrett has subsequently been suspended from all forms of the game for three weeks, up to and including Sunday, 1 September 2019.
The Sanzaar Foul Play Review Committee of Adam Casselden SC (chairman), Stefan Terblanche and Eroni Clarke assessed the case.
In his finding, chairman Casselden ruled the following:
‘Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including submissions from his legal representative, Stephen Cottrell, the Foul Play Review Committee upheld the Red Card under Law 9.16.
‘With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of six weeks due to World Rugby instructions that dictate any incident of foul play which results in contact with the head and/or neck must start at a mid-range level. However, taking into account mitigating factors including the player’s exemplary judicial record, his expressed remorse and the fact the player has pleaded guilty at the first available opportunity, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to three weeks.’
‘The Foul Play Review Committee adjourned the hearing to seek more evidence regarding the player’s proposed schedule of matches. Upon reconvening the Foul Play Review Committee was presented with extensive evidence demonstrating the player’s intended playing schedule.
‘The player is therefore suspended for three weeks, up to and including Sunday, 1 September 2019.’
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