Bulls boost as Springboks hopeful cleared after panel decides that controversial ‘red card should not have been issued’
A huge boost for the Bulls as David Kriel has been cleared to feature in the remaining tour fixtures.
Bulls back David Kriel is free to play the remainder of his team’s touring matches against the Scarlets and Benetton.
This is after a Disciplinary Panel rescinded his red card in last weekend’s clash against the Ospreys.
Big Bulls boost
The URC confirmed the news on Wednesday in a statement explaining that a red card should not have been issued due to a “combination of factors”.
Kriel was given his marching orders in the 49th minute of the Bulls’ 29-19 victory over the Ospreys after he was judged to have acted dangerously when leading with his forearm into contact with fly-half Dan Edwards.
After consulting with the TMO and his assistants, referee Eoghan Cross issued the red card to Kriel.
“It’s clear, we have a clear forearm lead from #12 Bulls, it’s the non-carrying ball arm and I’m seeing him lead with the forearm straight into the neck and head area of the Ospreys #10,” Cross explained.
“I’m seeing a high degree of danger and no mitigating circumstances.”
However, the panel disagreed with the referee’s decision after hearing from Kriel.
‘I’ve never experienced that in my life’ – Jake White after Bulls’ victory over Ospreys
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🗣️ "If he hadn't put his arm out and they clashed heads, the red card would have gone the other way."
Jake White on David Kriel's red card against the Dragons 🟥 pic.twitter.com/wBATrDrI26
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) October 14, 2024
“The Disciplinary process related to David Kriel’s Red Card in the BKT United Rugby Championship Round 4 game against Ospreys on Saturday October 12 has been rescinded,” the statement read.
“The Player (David Kriel, No 12) received a Red Card in the 49th minute of the game under Law 9.11 – Players must not do anything that is reckless or dangerous to others including leading with the elbow or forearm, or jumping into, or over, a tackler.
“The Panel overseeing the disciplinary process Roddy Dunlop KC (Chair, Scotland), Donal Courtney and Gordon Black (both Ireland), found that while an act of foul play had occurred and the Player made contact with the neck area of the tackler, a combination of factors (including the Player’s attempt at a hand-off to protect himself, the speed & height of the tackling player, and the low force of the contact in question) was such that the Player had established, on balance of probability, that a red card should not have been issued. The card was thus rescinded.
“As a result, the Player is now free to play and available for selection this weekend.”
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Kriel free to press for Springboks’ call
Kriel has been in fine form for the Bulls this season, picking up from where he left off during the last campaign.
The 25-year-old was tipped for a maiden Springboks’ call-up particularly due to his versatility across the backline having played both centre positions, wing and fullback.
However, he was unable to force Rassie Erasmus’ hand and will be hoping to do so in the final two matches before the Autumn Nations Series break.
