'Reckless' Elia slapped with three-match ban
NEWS: Elia Elia of Harlequins has appeared before an online disciplinary panel for foul play.
It followings his red card in the 53rd minute of the Premiership match between Harlequins and Wasps on Monday, September 28.
This was for a tip tackle contrary to World Rugby Law 9.18.
Elia accepted the charge and was given a three-match suspension by the disciplinary panel – comprising Jeremy Summers (chairman), with Mitch Read and Tony Wheat.
The player is free to play again on November 30.
“Whilst the offence was reckless rather than intentional, it was nevertheless clearly dangerous and, as the referee correctly noted, the fact that Wasps No.9 had broken the fall with his arm did not mitigate the offence to bring it below the red card threshold,” a statement read.
“The player had one previous offence recorded against him, which was some time ago while he was 19. Given the factual position was similar to that found in the recent Farrell decision, a 50% discount from the entry point was also applied here.”
Elia’s suspension covers Harlequins last game of the 2019/20 season – against Leicester on the October 4 and the first two games of the 2020/21 season on the November 20 against Exeter Chiefs and the game versus Northampton on the weekend of the November 27 to 29.
The panel can amend those dates should the fixtures change for any reason.
