VIDEO: Cheetahs star cops lengthy ban for unruly act
DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Cheetahs centre Nico Lee’s Pro14 campaign has come to an abrupt end due to a 13-week suspension.
Lee appeared in front of a Disciplinary Committee after being cited for unsportsmanlike conduct during Cheetahs 17-25 defeat to Connacht at the weekend.
Video evidence showed the 24-year-old cleared the contents of his nose onto the face of Connacht flank Colby Fainga’a in the 64th minute of the game, a clear infringement of Law 9.27 – A Player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship.
Nico Lee apologize@PRO14Officialhttps://t.co/E4BXi69qZU pic.twitter.com/7bOkiRpsRJ
— Toyota Cheetahs (@CheetahsRugby) February 20, 2019
According to the Pro14 statement “the offence merited a red card with a top-end offence with an entry point of 26 weeks,”
However, due to the centre’s admission of foul play and his good disciplinary record, the suspension was reduced to 13 weeks.
Lee will only return to action on Sunday, July 21 and will miss the rest of the Cheetahs’ Pro14 season.
RELATED: CHEETAHS STAR TO FACE THE MUSIC
The Cheetahs have condemned the star centre’s actions, stating: “Lee’s action was very uncharacterised behaviour.
“The unsportsmanlike behaviour is seen in a very serious light by rugby hierarchy. The Cheetahs condemn this behaviour which is not part of the team culture and accept the punishment as such.
“Nico is a star player and according to information from the team, he deeply regrets his behaviour and apologised immediately after the match to the opponent.
“The Cheetahs realise that he is remorseful of his actions and the team accepts the apology,”
Meanwhile centre, Benhard Janse van Rensburg will be joining the South African side in Wales, ahead of the clash against Scarlets in Llanelli on Sunday.
Cheetahs player Nico Lee banned for 13 weeks after he “accepted that he had cleared the contents of his nose onto the face of an opposing player.” pic.twitter.com/bpXRqT0L6l
— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) February 20, 2019
