Emery suspended for four weeks
The 22-year-old was found guilty of contravening Law 10.4 (i) Tackling, tapping, pushing or pulling an opponent jumping for the ball in a lineout or in open play, after he was red carded in the 12th minute of the Highlanders' 15-14 Round Nine defeat to the Durban-based side in Dunedin.
Emery's action warranted a six-week suspension, but following his apology to Le Roux, his guilty plea and and clean record taken into account in representative matches, he was given a two-week discount on the recommended sacntion and will be out of action until Saturday, May 21.
The SANZAAR Judicial Hearing was heard by a Judicial Committee of Jannie Lubbe SC (Chairman), De Wet Barry and John Langford.
In their finding, the Judicial committee ruled the following:
"Jason Emery appeared before a SANZAAR Judicial Committee having been red carded in the match between the Sharks and the Highlanders for a breach of Law 10.4 (e).
"During the hearing the charge was amended as a breach of Law.10.4 (i) and Mr. Lloyd, acting for the player, raised no objection.
"The player pleaded guilty to the amended charge.
"After careful consideration of the available evidence and the very helpful submissions of Mr Lloyd the offence was categorised as mid-range which carries a six weeks suspension.
"The Committee took into account as mitigating factors the player's exemplary clean disciplinary record after seventy first class matches, his apology in person to Willie le Roux immediately after the match and on social media, his guilty plea and the fact that the tackle was rather reckless than deliberate.
"The player was therefore given a two week discount on the recommended sanction of six weeks.
"The player is accordingly suspended from all rugby until May 21 2016 which effectively is a three match Super Rugby suspension.
"We were provided with proof that he would have been selected to play in a club match on May 21 2016, a match which the player will also miss as a result of the suspension."
