Five-week ban for butting Bernini
Cavalieri No.8 Giacomo Bernini has been suspended for five weeks following an independent disciplinary hearing on Thursday.
Bernini was sent off by referee, David Wilkinson in the 23rd minute of the Pool Five Challenge Cup game for striking the Stade Francais wing Adrea Cocagi with his head in contravention of Law 10.4(a).
Under the IRB Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 10.4(a) carries the following sanction entry points: Low End: 4 weeks; Mid Range: 10 weeks; Top End: 16 to 52 weeks.
The independent judicial officer, Jean-Noel Couraud, heard evidence and submissions from Bernini, who pleaded guilty to the offence, Cavalieri representative, Federico Oggioni, Cavalieri assistant coach, Rima Wakarua, and ERC.
In upholding the red card decision, the judicial officer determined that Bernini intentionally struck Cocagi with his head and that the offence was at the mid range of the IRB's sanctioning regime.
Taking into account Bernini's guilty plea and his good disciplinary record, as well as the fact that there were no aggravating factors, the judicial officer applied a 50 per cent reduction of the sanction term and imposed as suspension of five weeks.
Bernini is free to play on Monday, December 9. Both the player and ERC have the right to appeal the decision.
