'Discount' reduced over World Cup indiscretion
DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: A World Cup indiscretion has come back to haunt Samoan international Motu Matu’u.
The London Irish hooker appeared before a disciplinary panel for his red card offence in a Premiership match over the weekend.
The Samoan was sent off by referee Ian Tempest in the 33rd minute of the match between Worcester Warriors and London Irish last Saturday, December 28.
This was for dangerous tackling, contrary to World Rugby Law 9.13.
Matu’u accepted the charge and was given a five-week suspension by Jeremy Summers sitting as sole judicial officer.
The player is free to play again on Tuesday, February 18.
“There were no aggravating features to warrant an increase from the mid-range starting point.
“The player accepted the charge and apologised to Duncan Weir post-match.
“However, he has one previous matter on record also for a dangerous tackle from World Cup 2019.”
In September Motu Matu’u was suspended for three weeks for a reckless tackle at the tournament. He was yellow-carded for a shoulder-led hit to the head of Russia captain Vasily Artemyev.
“As such, the player was only entitled to a 25 percent decrease from the entry point by way mitigation, not least having regard to the proximity of the two offences. This results in his receiving a one-week reduction from the entry point of six weeks.
“He will serve a suspension of 5 meaningful weeks until the 17 February which takes in to account two weekends when London Irish and the player have no matches.”
Source: RugbyPass
