One-week ban for Mathewson
Western Force scrumhalf Alby Mathewson has pleaded guilty for stmaping on Chiefs flank Sam Cane and suspended for one week.
The incident occurred in the thirdrd minute of the match between the Force and Chiefs in Perth on Saturday.
SANZAR Duty Judicial Officer Adam Casselden assessed the case.
He said: "After initially reviewing the video footage and Citing Commissioner's report, I began the hearing by taking submissions from the player and his representatives, including the player's counsel.
"I then proceeded by establishing that the player accepted a breach for the cited offence and then identifying the various factors involved in the incident.
"I considered that the potential for harm in the circumstances was slight and accordingly I agreed with the player’s submissions that a lower end entry point for sanction was warranted under the regulations.
"The recommended entry point for lower end breaches of Law 10.4(b) is two weeks. Based on the acceptance of the indicated sanction, the player’s excellent disciplinary and playing record and in recognition of his early plea, a discount from the lower end entry point to a one week suspension was imposed up to and including Sunday, 30 March 2014.
"Accordingly, the player is suspended from all forms of the game up to and including Sunday 30 March 2014."
