Four-week ban for Faauli

Editor

Chiefs inside centre Johnny Faauli has been suspended for four weeks after he pleaded guilty to a charge of foul play against the Bulls.

The SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee has accepted a guilty plea from Faauli for contravening Law 10.4(e) Dangerous tackling of an Opponent, after he was cited during the Super Rugby match at the weekend. 

Faauli has been suspended from all forms of the game for four weeks, up to and including Saturday, April 29.

The incident occurred in the 27th minute of the match between the Chiefs and Bulls at FMG Stadium, Hamilton.

The SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee of Nigel Hampton QC (Chairman), Stefan Terblanche and Stephen Hardy assessed the case.

In his finding, Foul Play Review Committee Chairman Nigel Hampton QC ruled the following: "Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Aaron Lloyd, the Foul Play Review Committee upheld the citing under Law 10.4(e) Dangerous tackling of an Opponent." 

"With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of six weeks. However, taking into account mitigating factors including the Player's early guilty plea, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to four weeks.

"The player is therefore suspended for four weeks, up to and including Saturday 29 April 2017."

All SANZAAR disciplinary matters are in the first instance referred to the Foul Play Review Committee to provide the option of expediting the judicial process.

For a matter to be dispensed with at this hearing, the person appearing must plead guilty and accept the penalty offered by the Foul Play Review Committee.