Stormers forward learns disciplinary fate as Gloucester man cops hefty ban
Adre Smith (left) and Deian Gwynne (right) have both copped bans following round one of the Investec Champions Cup
The Stormers will be without lock Adre Smith for their upcoming Investec Champions Cup clash against La Rochelle, after being handed a one-match suspension.
The forward was sent off for a stamp during his side’s 26-17 win over Bayonne in the opening round of Europe’s premier club competition, just minutes after coming onto the pitch.
Adre Smith cops one-match ban following red card
Appearing before the disciplinary committee, Smith accepted that he committed a reckless act, but did not agree that it warranted a red card. However, upon review by the committee, the red card was upheld, but only met the lower-end punishment of two weeks.
However, his previous acceptance, coupled with his good disciplinary record, saw his ban reduced to just one match.
“The DHL Stormers second row, Adre Smith (No 19), has been suspended for one week following the decision of an independent Disciplinary Committee arising from the Investec Champions Cup Round 1 match between Aviron Bayonnais and DHL Stormers at Stade Jean Dauger on Friday, 5 December,” an EPCR statement read.
“An independent Disciplinary Committee comprising Benjamin Rutherford (Ireland, Chair), Bogdan Zebega (Romania), and Chris Morgan (Wales) heard the case via video conference yesterday, Monday, 8 December. The Committee heard evidence and submissions from the player and his representatives, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.
“Smith accepted that he had committed a reckless act, but he did not accept that it warranted a red card.
“The independent Disciplinary Committee determined that the player was guilty of a deliberate stamp on the player on the ground and it upheld the red card. It was then decided that the offending was at the low-end of World Rugby’s sanctions, and two weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point.
“Taking into account the player’s good disciplinary record and the fact that he accepted he had committed an act of foul play, the Committee decided to reduce the sanction by one week before imposing a one-week suspension.
“Smith is free to play again on Monday, 15 December. Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.”
Deian Gwynne receives hefty ban
Elsewhere, Gloucester back-rower Deian Gwynne has received a three-match suspension after being cited for making contact with the eye or eye area of a Castres player during his side’s 34-14 win.
The flanker was shown a yellow card for the incident, but on appearing before the disciplinary panel, accepted it warranted a red card.
“The Gloucester Rugby back row, Deian Gwynne (No 6), has been suspended for three weeks following an independent Disciplinary Hearing arising from his club’s Investec Champions Cup Round 1 match against Castres Olympique at Kingsholm on Sunday, 7 December,” an EPCR statement read.
“An independent Disciplinary Committee comprising Marcello d’Orey (Portugal, Chair), Ken Owens (Wales), and Val Toma (Romania) heard the case via video conference today, Tuesday, 9 “December. The Committee heard evidence and submissions from the player and his representatives, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.
“Gwynne accepted that he had committed an act of foul play that warranted a red card.
“The committee upheld the citing complaint, finding that Gwynne had recklessly made contact with the eye of an opponent. It then determined that the offending was at the low end of World Rugby’s sanctions and six weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point.
“Taking into account the player’s clear disciplinary record, his timely acceptance of the charge, plus his young age and relative inexperience, the Committee decided to reduce the sanction by the maximum of 50%, before imposing a three-week suspension.
“Gwynne is free to play on Monday, 29 December. Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.”
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