Get Newsletter

Ref pusher suspended for 14 weeks

Kolelishivili was cited by the match Citing Commissioner Mike Rafter (England) for pushing Barnes in the 17th minute of Round Five fixture  in contravention of Law 10.4 (m).

ADVERTISEMENT

Under World Rugby's Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 10.4 (m), Physical abuse of match officials, carries the following sanction entry points – low end: 24 weeks; mid-range: 48 weeks; top end: 96 weeks to life.

The independent Judicial Officer David Martin (Ireland) heard evidence and submissions from Kolelishvili, who pleaded guilty to the offence, from Clermont Auvergne team manager Neil McIlroy and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer Liam McTiernan at independent disciplinary hearing in Paris on Teusday.

 

In upholding the citing complaint, the judicial officer found that Kolelishvili 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 24 weeks as the appropriate entry point.

He added two weeks due to the player's poor disciplinary record before reducing the sanction by half of the entry point taking into account Kolelishvili's immediate apology to the referee, his subsequent remorse, guilty plea and good conduct at the hearing. He then imposed a suspension of 14 weeks.

Kolelishvili is free to play again on April 25. Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.

@ChampionsCup

Join free

Boks Office | Episode 32 | How To Win Europe

Round 12 Highlights | PWR 2024/25

Bristol Bears vs Gloucester-Hartpury | PWR 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo vs Kobelco Kobe Steelers | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match

Edinburgh vs Brython | Celtic Challenge 2024/25 | Match Highlights

Yokohama Canon Eagles vs Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

Global Schools Challenge | Day 2 Replay

AUSTRALIA vs USA behind the scenes | HSBC SVNS Embedded | E04

Write A Comment