Dan Evans banned for four weeks following red card

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Ospreys Dan Evans during the European Champions Cup, pool two match at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea.

Ospreys full-back Dan Evans has been suspended for four weeks following his early red card in the Heineken Champions Cup defeat against Racing 92.

Evans received one of the quickest red cards in professional rugby union history when he was sent off by referee Frank Murphy after just 37 seconds at the Liberty Stadium when his boot made contact with Racing wing Teddy Thomas’ head as he claimed a high ball.

Under World Rugby Law 9.12, which relates to kicking offences, the sanctions range from four weeks up to a potential year suspension.

An independent disciplinary panel, chaired by Dan White, considered the case on Wednesday, reviewing imagery of the incident as well as hearing evidence from Evans via video conference, along with Ospreys manager Dai Davies.

The committee upheld the red card decision, finding “the act of foul play was reckless”.

Disciplinary rules over contact to the head or neck carry a minimum mandatory mid-range sanction, so eight weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point.

A statement from the independent disciplinary panel continued: “There were no aggravating factors, and taking into account the player’s guilty plea and timely expression of remorse, the committee reduced the sanction by the maximum of 50 per cent before imposing a four-week suspension.”

Both Evans and the EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.

Evans’ ban will see him miss the PRO14 match against Cardiff Blues, as well as the showdown against Scarlets on Boxing Day and the game with the Dragons at Rodney Parade before being clear to play again on January 6.

The independent disciplinary hearing also dealt with the case against Munster back-row Arno Botha, who was sent off against Saracens.

Botha was dismissed in the 81st minute of the Champions Cup fixture for striking replacement Nick Tompkins with his arm.

The red card was upheld, with the minimum mandatory mid-range sanction of six weeks reduced by 50 per cent to a three-week suspension.

Botha will be free to play on December 30.

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