Kaino's appeal denied

DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: New Zealander Jerome Kaino’s appeal against his five-week suspension had been denied.

The All Black great received a five-week ban for a dangerous tackle on Bath player Jamie Roberts during the 22-20 European Champions Cup win at Bath.

It earned the flank a yellow card but merited ‘a red card,’ the tournament’s disciplinary commission said.

Toulouse and Kaino appealed the ban, claiming there was “no clear and obvious act of unfair play’ and that it was motivated ‘by feelings and not the facts,” the club said in a statement last week.

However, in Paris on Thursday, the independent Appeal Committee consisting of Kathrine Mackie (Scotland) Chair, Frank Hadden (Scotland) and Martyn Wood (England), reviewed the finding of foul play that had warranted a red card as well as the level of sanction.

The Committee heard submissions from Kaino, from the Toulouse legal representative, Neil Robertson, from the Toulouse director, René Bouscatel, from the Toulouse Head Coach, Ugo Mola, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.

The Committee was not satisfied that the decision taken at the initial Disciplinary Hearing had been in error and decided to dismiss the appeal.

This means Kaino’s suspension remains and will miss Sunday’s European clash at home to defending champions Leinster and will not be eligible to play again until December 3.