Tomas Albornoz banned for referee incident

Argentina fly-half Tomas Albornoz has been suspended for four matches following his confrontation with referee Angus Gardner after the Pumas’ defeat to England in Santiago del Estero.

The disciplinary committee ruled that his conduct towards the match official was intimidatory.

Tomas Albornoz Banned for Referee Incident

The confrontation followed a controversial finish in which Argentina were denied a potentially match-tying try during the final minute.

Bautista Delguy crossed the line, but the score was ruled out after Gardner consulted television match official Brett Cronan. The decision left Argentina without the opportunity to level the match.

Albornoz reacted angrily after the final whistle and twice rushed towards Gardner while disputing the decision. The 28-year-old had to be restrained by several Argentina teammates.

Disciplinary Panel Accepts Intimidatory Conduct

Albornoz accepted that his behaviour, when considered as a whole, amounted to intimidation of a match official.

However, he did not accept that his actions were abusive, insulting, offensive or threatening. That distinction was accepted by both the disciplinary authorities and the independent committee reviewing the incident.

The fly-half was subsequently handed a four-match suspension, ruling him out of important international and club fixtures.

Argentina Fly-Half to Miss Four Matches

Albornoz will miss Argentina’s upcoming Test against South Africa in Buenos Aires.

He will also be unavailable for the Pumas’ two matches against Australia on August 29 and September 5.

The final match covered by the suspension will be Toulon’s opening Top 14 fixture against La Rochelle.