Jefferson Poirot learns his disciplinary fate after throat grab on Northampton star Henry Pollock that was ‘against the spirit of good sportsmanship’
Bordeaux-Begles prop Jefferson Poirot takes on the Northampton defence in the Champions Cup final in Cardiff.
Bordeaux-Begles front-row Jefferson Poirot has received a two-week suspension for his part in an incident with Northampton Saints back-row Henry Pollock after Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup final.
Poirot was one of several Bordeaux players who were involved in a tussle with the British and Irish Lions representative at the full-time whistle, and was later pictured with his match-shirt ripped as a result.
Match officials were made aware of the incident
The loosehead prop grabbed Pollock by his throat and Northampton Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson subsequently confirmed the match officials were made aware of the incident.
The 32-year-old France international appeared before a disciplinary hearing on Thursday and received his punishment later in the day.
An official EPCR statement read: “The Union Bordeaux-Bègles prop, Jefferson Poirot has been suspended for two weeks following the decision of an independent Disciplinary Committee arising from the Investec Champions Cup final match between Northampton Saints and Union Bordeaux-Bègles at the Principality Stadium on Saturday, 24 May.
“Poirot was cited by the match citing commissioner Tim Lowry (Ireland) for committing an act contrary to good sportsmanship towards the Northampton Saints number eight, Henry Pollock, shortly after the final whistle in contravention of Law 9.27; in that he is alleged to have grasped the throat of Henry Pollock in a way that was dangerous and had the potential to cause serious harm.
“Law 9.27 A player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship.
“Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for foul play, Law 9.27 carries the following sanction entry points for offending of this nature: Low-end – four week/matches; Mid-range – eight weeks/matches; Top-end 12-52 weeks/matches.
“An independent disciplinary committee comprising Simon Thomas (Wales, chair), Marcello D’Orey (Portugal) and Val Toma (Romania) heard the case by video conference on Thursday, 29 May.
‘Accepted that he had committed an act of foul play’
“Poirot accepted that he had committed an act of foul play that warranted a red card.
“The independent disciplinary committee upheld the complaint, and it determined that the offending was at the low-end of World Rugby’s sanctions and four weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point.
“Taking into account the player’s guilty plea, his good disciplinary record and his full co-operation with the disciplinary process, the committee decided to reduce the sanction by the maximum of 50% before imposing a two-week suspension.
“Poirot will be free to play again on Monday, 9 June.
“Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.”
