European Club Rugby : Danny Grewcock decision

Danny Grewcock decision

28 January 2010, 6:41 pm

Danny Grewcock, the Bath Rugby lock (No 5), appeared before an independent Disciplinary Hearing in Dublin today (Thursday, 28 January, 2010) as a result of the red card he received during the Heineken Cup Pool 4 match against Ulster Rugby at The Recreation Ground on Saturday, 23 January, 2010.

The red card was issued in the 32nd minute of the first half by referee Jerome Garces (France) for stamping on Ulster flanker Stephen Ferris (No 6) in contravention of Law 10.4 (b).

After considering the evidence, the independent Judicial Officer, Jean-Noel Couraud (France), determined that Danny Grewcock was guilty of foul play in contravention of Law 10.4 (b) in that he stamped on the arm of Mr Ferris.

The Judicial Officer found that the offence was in the mid range in the level of seriousness for an offence of this type. Having taken into account any mitigating and aggravating factors, including Mr Grewcock's disciplinary record, the independent Judicial Officer suspended the player for a period of seven (7) weeks running up to and including Saturday, 13 March, 2010.

Both parties have the right to appeal.

Law 10.4 (b) Stamping - A player must not stamp on an opponent.

Under the IRB Recommended Sanctions for Offences Committed within the Playing Enclosure, Law 10.4 (b) - Stamping on an opponent carries the following penalties:
Lower End: 2 weeks
Middle Range: 5 weeks
Top End: 9+ weeks
Maximum Sanction: 52 weeks

For a full list of IRB Recommended Sanctions please refer to ercrugby.com by following this link:
http://www.ercrugby.com/images/content/cupstandard/IRB_Sanctions.pdf

Notes to Editors

(i) Red Cards
a) The case of any player sent off in the Heineken Cup or Amlin Challenge Cup game shall be adjudicated by an independent Judicial Officer as soon as is practicable.
b) Until the hearing the player is ineligible to play in any tournament.

(ii) Independent Disciplinary Hearing
a) The independent Judicial Officer is chosen by the Chairman of the independent Disciplinary Panel, Professor Lorne Crerar.
b) Both parties to the hearing (ERC and the player) have the right to appeal decisions of the independent Disciplinary Hearing. Appeals must be lodged within 72 hours of receiving the full written decision of the independent Judicial Officer.
c) The full written decision of the independent Judicial Officer will be available on www.ercrugby.com/disciplinenews when the disciplinary process is complete.