Bardy suspended for five weeks
ASM Clermont Auvergne player Julien Bardy has been suspended for five weeks, following a disciplinary hearing in Dublin on Thursday.
The ban arose from the European Champions Cup Round One match against Saracens last Saturday, October 18.
Bardy was cited by the match citing commissioner John Charles (Wales), for allegedly striking the Saracens No.8 Billy Vunipola with his knee in the 78th minute of the Pool One game at Allianz Park – in contravention of Law 10.4(a).
Law: 10.4 (a) – Punching or striking. A player must not strike an opponent with the fist or arm, including the elbow, shoulder, head or knee(s).
The judicial officer, Simon Thomas (Wales), heard evidence from Bardy, who pleaded guilty to the offence, from Clermont Auvergne's legal representative, Charles Fribourg, and from the tournament disciplinary officer, Roger O'Connor.
In upholding the citing complaint, the judicial officer determined that the offence warranted a red card and that it was in the mid-range (eight weeks) of the IRB sanctions for offences of this nature.
As there were no aggravating factors, he reduced the suspension by three weeks due to the player's guilty plea, his clean record, and good conduct and remorse during the hearing.
The five-week suspension will run over a seven-week term as the judicial officer chose to take into account two weeks during the period when the player would not have played.
Bardy is therefore free to play on Monday, December 8.
Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.
