Mixed verdicts for Glasgow pair
Wilson was cited by the match Citing Commissioner, Jeff Mark (Wales), for allegedly grabbing the testicles of Northampton Saints scrumhalf, Lee Dickson, in the 25th minute of the European Cup Round Five match at Franklin's Gardens on Sunday, January 17 in contravention of Law 10.4 (m).
The independent Judicial Officer, Simon Thomas (Wales), heard evidence from Wilson, who pleaded not guilty to the offence, and from Dickson. He also heard evidence and submissions from Glasgow Warriors' Operations Manager, John Manson, from the Glasgow Warriors legal representative, Bruce Caldow, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.
As the Judicial Officer was not satisfied to the required standard that the act of foul play as alleged had been committed, the citing complaint was dismissed and Wilson is therefore free to play.
Swinson was cited by the same match Commissioner for punching Northampton Saints replacement hooker, Mikey Haywood, in the 74th minute of the same match in contravention of Law 10.4 (a). Swinson was shown a yellow card for the incident by match referee, Romain Poite (France).
Swinson pleaded guilty to the offence.
In upholding the citing complaint, the Judicial Officer found that Swinson had committed an act of foul play that warranted a red card. He determined that the offence was at the low end of World Rugby's sanctions and selected two weeks as the appropriate entry point.
He reduced the sanction by one week – 50 percent of the entry point – due to the player's timely guilty plea, expression of remorse, clean disciplinary record and good conduct at the hearing before imposing a suspension of one week.
Swinson is free to play on Monday, January 25 however, both Swinson and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.
Applicable laws:
Law 10.4 (a) Striking with a hand, arm or fist
Under World Rugby's Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 10.4 (a), Striking with a hand, arm or fist, carries the following sanction entry points – Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-Range: 5 weeks; Top End: 8 to 52 weeks
Law 10.4 (m) Testicle grabbing or twisting or squeezing
Under World Rugby's Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 10.4 (m), Testicle grabbing or twisting or squeezing carries the following sanction entry points – Low End: 12 weeks; Mid-Range: 18 weeks; Top End: 24 to 208 weeks.
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