Burger gets off lightly
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Saracens flank Jacques Burger, has been suspended for one week following a disciplinary hearing after being cited in their European Cup match against Racing Metro
Burger was cited by the match by Eugene Ryan (Ireland), for allegedly striking the Racing Metro scrumhalf, Maxime Machenaud, in the 40th minute of the European Champions Cup quarterfinal at Stade Yves-Du-Manoir in contravention of Law 10.4(a).
Law 10.4(a) Striking another player with a hand, arm or fist.
Under World Rugby's Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 10.4(a) carries the following sanction entry points – Low End: two weeks; Mid-Range: five weeks; Top End: eight+ to 52 weeks.
The independent judicial officer, Simon Thomas (Wales), heard submissions and evidence from Burger, who pleaded guilty to the offence, from Saracens Director of Rugby, Mark McCall, and from the Saracens Team Manager, JP O'Reilly.
Submissions and evidence were also presented by the tournament disciplinary officer.
In upholding the citing complaint, the judicial officer determined that the offence was reckless and warranted a red card, and that it was at the low end (two weeks) of World Rugby's sanctions for offences of this nature.
There were no aggravating factors and he reduced the suspension by the maximum amount of one week due to the player's guilty plea, early expression of remorse, good conduct during the hearing and clean disciplinary record.
The judicial officer then imposed a suspension of one week.
Burger is free to play on Monday, April 13 and is eligible for selection for his club's Champions Cup semifinal against Clermont Auvergne.
Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.
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