Warriors centre faces suspension after Toulon incident

NEWS: Glasgow’s Stafford McDowall has been cited for an incident during Sunday’s Champions Cup defeat by Toulon in France

McDowall is alleged to have made contact with the eye or eye area of Toulon forward Facundo Isa and will now face a disciplinary hearing on Thursday which could result in a suspension.

The 26-year-old could be handed anything from a four-week ban for ‘contact with the eye area’ or up to 208 weeks if he is found to have made ‘intentional contact with the eye(s)/eye area’ of Argentina international Isa.

A statement released by the tournament organisers EPCR read: “McDowall is alleged to have made contact with the eye or eye area of RC Toulon number eight Facundo Isa, which actions were deemed reaching the threshold of a red card, in contravention of Law 9.12.

“The complaint was made by the match citing commissioner Deker Govender (South Africa).

“Law 9.12 A player must not physically abuse anyone. Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to:

“Intentional Contact with Eye(s) – which, under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, carries the following sanction entry points – Low-end: 12 weeks; Mid-range: 18 weeks; Top-end: 24-208 weeks

“Reckless contact with Eye(s) – which, under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, carries the following sanction entry points – Low-end: 6 weeks; Mid-range: 12 weeks; Top-end: 18-208 weeks

“Contact with Eye area – which, under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, carries the following sanction entry points – Low-end: 4 weeks; Mid-range: 8 weeks; Top-end: 12-52 weeks.”

McDowall will appear in front of the panel chaired by Antony Davies (England) and including ex-Wales captain Ken Owens and former Springbok Stefan Terblanche on Thursday morning.