Ruan Botha handed four-week suspension
Ruan Botha was sent-off during the game at Estadio Jose Amalfitani
©PA
Sharks lock Ruan Botha has been handed a four-week ban following the red-card incident in the recently concluded Super Rugby game against Jaguares at Estadio Jose Amalfitani last weekend.
The 26-year-old was sent-off for making shoulder contact with the head of a player at a ruck during the 72nd minute of the game that saw Jaguares win 29-13.
As a result, Botha appeared before a SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee consisting of Nigel Hampton QC (chairman), Stefan Terblanche and Stephen Hardy and was proved guilty of breaching Law 9.12 that deals with striking using hand or arm, thereby facing a ban of four weeks.
“Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Adrian Montzinger, the Foul Play Review Committee upheld the Red Card under Law 9.12," said chairman Hampton.
“With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid range entry point of 4 weeks due to the contact with the opposing Player’s head.
“The Foul Play Review Committee added 1 week to the initial sanction as aggravation for the fact the Player was suspended for a similar incident less then 12 months prior. However, taking into account the mitigating factor of the Player’s guilty plea at the first available opportunity, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to 4 weeks."
Botha will be suspended until 23rd June after which he can resume his campaign with Sharks.
