Bonnaire escapes punishment
Clermont Auvergne flank Julien Bonnaire escaped further punishment for foul play in a European Cup match against Scarlets.
Bonnaire was cited by match citing commissioner Mike Rafter for stamping or trampling on the Scarlets No.8 Rob McCusker in contravention of Law 10.4(b) during the first half of the Pool Four game at Parc y Scarlets.
However, it was decided that the act of foul play committed by the player did not warrant a red card, and Bonnaire is therefore free to play.
Under the IRB Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 10.4(b) carries the following sanction entry points: Low End: Two weeks; Mid-Range: 5 weeks; Top End: 9 to 52 weeks.
The independent Judicial Officer Christopher Quinlan heard evidence and submissions from Bonnaire, ASM Clermont Auvergne's legal representative Charles Fribourg and ERC Disciplinary Officer Roger O'Connor.
The Judicial Officer found that Bonnaire had committed an act of foul play in that he stamped on McCusker's leg, and Bonnaire accepted that he had been guilty of foul play.
However, in upholding the citing complaint, the Judicial Officer decided not to impose any sanction as he determined the offence did not warrant a red card.
