Leopards duo suspended

One-week suspension: RW Kember

Leopards full-back Jean Tiedt and loose forward RW Kember have been suspended for one week after both players were found guilty of foul play after being cited during Friday's Currie Cup match against Western Province in Potchefstroom.

The players appeared before separate SARU Judicial hearings in Johannesburg which were chaired by Rob Stelzner.

Tiedt was cited for a dangerous tackle on WP centre Tim Whitehead in the 52nd minute of the match during his side's 42-23 defeat to Province. He was cited under Law 10.4(J) for lifting a player from the ground and dropping or driving that player into the ground.

The Leopards full-back pleaded not guilty. His defence argued that Tiedt was unable to assist or guide Whitehead down onto the ground after having lifted him, because if he had continued to hold onto him after turning him around, he would have fallen on top of the WP centre and would probably have hurt him in the process. The defence also argued that the tip was unintended and unavoidable.

Stelzner, after considering all relevant facts and available video evidence, deemed that an appropriate sanction is a suspension of one week from 27 July 2010, which will result in the player missing the forthcoming Currie Cup match between the Leopards and the Griquas.

Kember was cited for a dangerous tackle on WP hooker Deon Fourie in the 62nd minute of the game. He was cited under Law 10.4(e) for dangerously tackling above the shoulder line and around the neck.

The Leopards loose forward pleaded not guilty. His defence argued that the tackle around the neck was unintended. It was a freak accident as a result of a high speed split second legitimate attempt at saving a try.

Stelzner, after considering all relevant facts and available video evidence, deemed that an appropriate sanction is a suspension of one week from the 27 July 2010, which will result in the player missing the forthcoming Currie Cup game between the Leopards and theGriquas.

Both players have the right to appeal.