Sunday 16 April 2017 13:25, UK
Australia international lock Lopeti Timani has been banned for four weeks after his charge of kicking was found to have met the red card threshold for foul play.
Timani was shown a yellow card playing for the Melbourne Rebels in their 19-17 Super Rugby victory over the ACT Brumbies on Saturday, but was subsequently cited for his kick on fellow second-row Rory Arnold.
The incident was referred to the SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee, with the 26-year-old Timani entering a guilty plea for contravening Law 10.4(m); Dangerous Play and Misconduct.
The footage shows that Timani, who has five caps for the Wallabies since making his debut against Argentina in September 2016, strikes Arnold's head with a kick, something the review committee of Nigel Hampton QC (Chairman), Stefan Terblanche and Stephen Hardy felt warranted a red card offence.
Indeed, Foul Play Review Committee Chairman Hampton QC revealed that the incident carried an eight week ban, but was reduced to four due to a number of factors.
"Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Michele Williams, the Foul Play Review Committee amended the citing to Law 10.4(m) Any other acts (not previously referred to) which are contrary to good sportsmanship," Hampton ruled.
"With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play, which involved an intentional, but glancing, strike to an opponent's head by the Player's leg, merited a mid range entry point of 8 weeks.
"However, taking into account mitigating factors including the Player's excellent Judicial record, his on-field apology to the opposing player, his remorse and his early guilty plea, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to 4 weeks."
"The player is therefore suspended for 4 weeks, up to and including Saturday 13 May 2017."
Timani will miss Super Rugby trips to South African duo Sharks and Kings in Durban and Port Elizabeth respectively, as well as home games with the Lions and fellow Australian franchise the Reds.
