DISCIPLINARY HEARING: Kockett learns his fate
UPDATE: Castres Olympique scrumhalf Rory Kockott escaped with a three-week suspension for “making contact with the eye and/or the eye area of Munster forward Chris Cloete”.
The South African-born French international was cited by the match Citing Commissioner, Chris Catling (England), for the incident which took place in the 21st minute of their Champions Cup match in contravention of Law 9.12.
*Law 9.12 – Contact with the eye
Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.12 carries the following sanction entry points – Low end: 12 weeks; Mid-range: 18 weeks; Top end: 24 to 208 weeks
*Law 9.12 – Contact with the eye area
Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.12 carries the following sanction entry points – Low end: 4 weeks; Mid-range: 8 weeks; Top end: 12 to 52 weeks
Just @RoryKockott being a tramp.. someone wrong with your own eyes that you need Chris’ or?? pic.twitter.com/JFpwF9jfFU
— Daniel Hegarty (@MeinNameIstDan) December 15, 2018
In a In a statement competition organisers said: “An independent Disciplinary Committee consisting of Pamela Woodman (Scotland), Chair, Anthony Davies (England) and Leon Lloyd (England), heard evidence and submissions from Kockott, who pleaded guilty to the charge of making contact with the eye area, from the Castres Olympique Managing Director, Matthias Rolland, from the Castres Olympique legal representative, Clément Germain, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.
“The Committee upheld the citing complaint in that it warranted a red card and found that Kockott had made contact with Cloete’s eye area. It was decided that the act of foul play was at the low end of World Rugby’s sanctions and four weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point.
“Due to the player’s guilty plea and good conduct at the hearing, the Committee decided to reduce the sanction by one week before imposing a three-week suspension.
“Kockott is free to play on Monday, 7 January 2019, and both he and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.”
Kockett’s teammate Marc-Antoine Rallier has been suspended for one week for or tackling Peter O’Mahony dangerously in the 69th minute of the same match.
Meanwhile, Lyon lock Etienne Oosthuizen has also been suspended for three weeks.
The South African as sent off by referee, Ben Whitehouse (Wales), in the 70th minute of the match for striking Glasgow Warriors flyhalf Adam Hastings with his arm in contravention of Law 9.12.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pXp4cggMro
“An independent Disciplinary Committee consisting of Jeremy Summers (England), Chair, Rory Bannerman (Scotland) and Val Toma (Romania), heard evidence and submissions from Oosthuizen, who pleaded guilty to the charge, from the Lyon President, Yann Roubert, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan,” said the statement.
“The Committee upheld the red card decision and found that the act of foul play was at the mid-range of World Rugby’s sanctions and selected six weeks as the appropriate entry point.
“As there were no aggravating factors, and due to Oosthuizen’s guilty plea and his clear disciplinary record, the Committee reduced the sanction by the maximum amount of 50% before imposing a suspension of three weeks.
“Oosthuizen is free to play on Monday, 7 January 2019 and both he and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.”
*Law 9.12 Striking with the arm
Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.12 carries the following sanction entry points – Low End: two weeks; Mid-range: six weeks; Top end: 10 to 52 weeks
🔢 Final Heineken #ChampionsCup Round 4 scores 🔢
Significant victories for @MHR_officiel and @EdinburghRugby today, while @StadeToulousain, @Saracens and @racing92 remain unbeaten 👊
Early favourites after this weekend? #ChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/eiAp9rCRH3
— Heineken Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) December 16, 2018
