Rugby player slapped with LIFETIME ban after disgraceful ‘assault’ on referee goes viral

The Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) have confirmed that the player involved in the viral video where he tackled a referee has been handed a lifetime ban from the sport.

The Grootfontein Rugby Club player, who has not been named, tackled the match official after his side were penalised during a match against the Reho Falcons.

Thankfully, the match official was not seriously injured by the tackle and went on to red-card the offending player before he called the game off, citing safety concerns after the disgraceful act.

Namibian player banned for life

Video footage of the incident has since gone viral on multiple social media platforms and the Namibia Rugby Union has taken action confirming the outcome of a disciplinary hearing.

A statement from the governing body read: “The Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) has concluded a disciplinary hearing concerning an incident that occurred during a match on 18 May 2024. During this match, a player from the Grootfontein Rugby Club engaged in conduct deemed detrimental to the sport and the NRU.”

A summation of the incident added: “The player ran towards the match referee and tackled him, causing the referee to fall to the ground. This incident led to the referee issuing a red card to the player and ending the match prematurely due to concerns for his safety.”

‘Ban him for life’ – Referee shockingly ‘assaulted’ by player during Namibian club game

The hearing included evidence from the referee’s report and footage of the incident with the player pleading guilty to the charges under World Rugby Laws 9.11, 9.12, 9.27, and 9.28.

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.”

Law 9.12: “A player must not physically or verbally abuse anyone. Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to, biting, punching, contact with the eye or eye area, striking with any part of the arm, shoulder, head or knee(s), stamping, trampling, tripping or kicking.”

Law 9.27: A player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship.

Law 9.28: Players must respect the authority of the referee. They must not dispute the referee’s decisions. They must stop playing immediately when the referee blows the whistle to stop play.

After pleading guilty to the above-mentioned charges, the disciplinary committee imposed the following sanctions:

1. A lifetime ban from playing rugby.
2. A 156-week ban from all forms of rugby, including coaching, refereeing, and administration, effective from 30 May 2024. This ban will end on 31 May 2027, contingent upon clearance by the NRU for participation in non-playing roles.

“The committee emphasised the severity of the offense, noting the potential for serious injury to the match official, the deliberate nature of the act, and the negative impact on the reputation of the NRU and the sport of rugby internationally,” the statement added.

It concluded: “The NRU reaffirms its commitment to upholding the integrity and safety of the sport and will not tolerate any actions that jeopardise these values.”

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