Stormers lose appeal over JJ Kotze red card

NEWS: The Stormers have lost their appeal against the red card shown to hooker JJ Kotze during their Investec Champions Cup clash against Bristol Bears.

The 25-year-old appeared before an independent disciplinary committee on Wednesday and was handed a three-week suspension for his 20-minute red card against Bristol Bears last week.

*READ: Stormers reject proposed JJ Kotze ban after red card

Kotze was sent off in the 33rd minute of the match at DHL Stadium last week by Referee Kevin Bralley for a dangerous tackle on Bristol Bears scrumhalf Kieran Marmion.

A foul play review committee had already recommended three weeks.

However, the Stormers subsequently challenged the original ban with Director of rugby John Dobson stating, “our view is it’s not a red card, we’d like them to decide that for us”.

Prior to Wednesday’s hearing, Dobson stated: “We were offered the three-game one.

“I presume we would have had the normal two-weeks for tackle school,” Stormers boss John Dobson said during a team announcement press conference ahead of Saturday’s URC fixture versus the Scarlets.

“Our view is that we could hear a bit of confusion between the TMO and the referee around whether they felt the force had gone through the chest. So we just like clarity.

“It’s a red card, and I think if we had accepted that decision, we’d be saying it was a red card. It’s on JJ’s record.

“So, if our view is it’s not a red card, we’d like them to decide that for us, rather than just be told that that’s the sanction. I think it’s fair.”

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The committee reviewed the official report, video footage and submissions from the player and his club before reaching its decision.

Kotze accepted that he had committed an act of foul play but disputed that the offence warranted a red card.

However, the independent disciplinary committee, comprising Daniel Gore (England, chair), Bogdan Zebega (Romania) and Chris Morgan (Wales), found him guilty of a dangerous tackle and upheld the dismissal.

The offence was deemed to fall within the mid-range of World Rugby’s sanctions for foul play under Law 9.13, which prohibits players from tackling opponents early, late or dangerously.

The mid-range entry point carries a six-week suspension. However, the committee took into account Kotze’s acceptance of foul play, his clear disciplinary record and his good conduct during the hearing.

These mitigating factors resulted in the maximum 50% reduction, bringing the suspension down to three weeks.

Kotze is set to be available again on Monday, 7 December, due to the international window.

However, he could return earlier if he applies for and successfully completes the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme, which would make him eligible to play again on Monday, 2 November.

Both Kotze and EPCR retain the right to appeal the decision.