In the dock: Sergio Parisse
Stade Français and Italy captain Sergio Parisse's will learn whether or not he will be banned for the rest of the Six Nations on Wednesday.
The 29-year-old will appear before a Ligue Nationale de Rugby disciplinary panel after being shown a red card in Saturday's Top 14 win over Bordeaux-Begles for allegedly insulting referee Laurent Cardona.
Parisse has denied any wrong-doing, but he is likely to be handed a ban of between "40 and 80 days" according to the LNR, which would rule him out of Italy's remaining Six Nations clashes with Wales, England and Ireland.
In anticipation of the Azzurri skipper being suspended, Italy coach Jacques Brunel also called up veteran back-row stalwart Mauro Bergamasco.
Parisse however continues to proclaim his innocence and reportedly sent a letter to the French disciplinary chiefs on Monday hoping to explain the situation.
"Sorry to my team-mates and fans for the red card, which I find too harsh! I never insulted M. Cardona" the 93-time capped forward wrote on Twitter.
"I'm convinced this misunderstanding will be clarified without consequences," he added later.
Italy team manager Luigi Troiani admitted that the Azzurri had no option but to wait and see what unfolded.
We have seen the images and talked with the player knowing what the referee has put in his report. The club have made a request to bring the disciplinary hearing forward to Wednesday," Troiani told reporters in Rome on Monday.
"At present, we can only wait for the evolution of events. "Until we hear otherwise, we can only assume the player is not available for Saturday.
"That said, we cannot prepare for a tough game like this thinking about the situation of an individual, although the absence of Parisse would be very heavy.
"I think, first of all, it is our duty to stay focussed and work during the week to take the field on Saturday with the aim of beating Wales."
Comments
carpelone says...
He would be a better player without being the captain.
He could have spoiled the historic opportunity to contribute to three wins for Italy in the 6N tournament (both Wales and Ireland could fall in Roma).
I would say that the captain's role is an issue for Italy.
Posted 09:24 20th February 2013
Spartacus says...
I noticed Parisse getting tetchy with the ref in France and Scotland games. I was surprised that an experienced player and captain was speaking to a ref in that manner. Maybe he needs to get some anger management lessons from Bakkies?
Posted 09:09 19th February 2013
jontheref says...
Have to agree with you md, but we all know how some players get ridiculous bans, too lenient or over the top.
He will be lucky to miss just one game, but who knows.
From a judicial point of view, he has not done his case any good by going on twitter.
Maybe his brief suggested he do that to muddy the waters.
Great player, but this shows the underbelly of the player.
Posted 08:24 19th February 2013
jamesliveinhope says...
@melkdave agreed about the offence but there does seem to be something wrong when entry level bans are more than for stamping, punching, biting etc.
Mind you, the French might still be bitter about the Rome result and create a special punishment - bring on the guillotine!!!!
Posted 08:24 19th February 2013
melkdave says...
Cant see anything other than a ban for him to be honest.You just cant argue and swear at referees ,no matter what you think of him or how frustrated you maybe..IRB just has no option,or every player wil be doing it ,just like football,and no oe wants that.
Posted 20:17 18th February 2013