Lukhan Salakaia-Loto handed four-week ban
December 5, 2020, Sydney, NSW, USA: SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 05: Lukhan Salakaia-Loto of the Wallabies is given a red card during the Tri-Nations round 6 rugby match between the Australian Wallabies and Argentina Pumas at Bankwest Stadium on December 05, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Speed Media/Icon Sportswire) (Credit Image: © Speed Media/Icon SMI via ZUMA Press)
Australia back five forward Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has been suspended for four games following his red card against Argentina on Saturday.
The lock, who can also play at flanker, was only on the field for nine minutes when he connected with the head of Argentina’s Santiago Grondona in the 16-16 draw.
Salakaia-Loto was duly sent off for that indiscretion by referee Angus Gardner and he has now found out his punishment, which will last until the end of February due the completion of the Wallabies’ season.
Mid-range entry point
Foul Play Review Committee chairman Adam Casselden SC said: “The act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of six weeks. However, taking into account mitigating factors including the fact the player has pleaded guilty at the first available opportunity, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to four weeks.
“The player was not entitled to a full 50% reduction due to the presence of a prior offence on his record. The player is therefore suspended for four weeks, up to and including Friday 26 February 2021.”