Italy powerhouse banned for ‘unusual’ red card following ‘touchline brawl’ against Wallabies
Marco Riccioni ahead of a Test match for Italy in the 2026 Nations Championship
Italy tighthead prop Marco Riccioni has been handed a two-match suspension following his unusual red card in the Azzurri’s defeat to Australia.
The Perpignan-bound front-rower initially started in Italy’s 57-10 loss in Perth, but was taken off in the 54th minute. However, he later got involved in a touchline brawl that had spilled over from the pitch, and was shown a straight red card. With him already substituted, Italy were not forced to go down to 14 men.
As a result of his carding, Riccioni was charged with Unsportsmanlike Conduct and sent before the review committee.
Marco Riccioni learns disciplinary fate following red card v Australia
“The Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) has found Italy prop Marco Riccioni guilty of conduct contrary to the spirit of good sportsmanship, in breach of Law 9.27,” a statement from the governing body read.
“The unsportsmanlike conduct, for which Riccioni received a red card, occurred in the 66th minute of the Nations Championship match between Australia and Italy at HBF Park, Perth.
“The FPRC determined that the act of foul play merited a low-end entry point of four weeks/matches.
All Blacks great blasts Ireland as a ‘pack of whingers’ who should stop ‘blaming everyone else’
“In light of Riccioni’s admission that he committed an act of foul play and the acceptance that it was deserving of a red card, along with mitigating factors such as his disciplinary history, conduct, and remorse, the FPRC imposed a reduction of two weeks on the sanction.”
Want more from Planet Rugby? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for world-class coverage you can trust.
As a result, the tighthead will now miss Perpignan’s pre-season friendlies against Biarritz and Bath, but will be eligible to play in their Top 14 opener against Stade Francais on September 5.
His ban also follows the four-match suspension handed to lock forward Niccolo Cannoe following a headbutt on Cam Roigard during their meeting with the All Blacks, while Gonzalo Quesada was also given a two-Test ban under World Rugby’s Match Official Abuse Sanctioning Process. The head coach’s suspension was later reduced to one Test, following an appeal by the Italian Rugby Union (FIR).