Bristol Bears appeal against three-game ban of Siale Piutau
Bristol Bears have confirmed that they have appealed against the three-game ban decision on Siale Piutau.
Piutau along with Worcester's Andrew Kitchener were involved in a clash in the 79th minute of the game at Sixways as referee Wayne Barnes red-carded the latter. Piutau, who was sin-binned was cited by independent citing commissioner Tony Diprose.
The decision did not go well with Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam, who expressed his frustration over the decision prior to their game against Northampton Saints.
“I am just extremely frustrated,” Lam told BT Sport. “The messages of inconsistency is what I am struggling with.
“Siale was attacked by two guys who started swinging at him. The process means he can’t strike back.
“The message you can start a fight and punch someone with the same penalty (three games)… I just think there needs to be clarity and a shake-up.
“You should be able to defend yourself if someone attacks you like that. I was absolutely disappointed. Things have got to change.”
Piutau will now appear before a three-person disciplinary panel comprising of Sir James Dingemans (chair), Sam Hillas QC and Becky Essex on Thursday.
Bristol are positioned third in the Gallagher Premiership table with 12 wins from 19 games and will face Wasps in Round 20 at Ricoh Arena on 13th September.
