An independent Appeal Committee sat in London today (Tuesday, 2 March, 2010) to hear the appeal brought by Stade Français Paris player, David Attoub, against both the finding of foul play and level of sanction imposed by an independent Judicial Officer on Tuesday, 19 January, 2010.
The independent Appeal Committee, chaired by Professor Lorne Crerar (Scotland) and also comprising Rod McKenzie (Scotland) and Robert Williams (Wales) adjourned the hearing to consider the respective submissions made on behalf of Mr Attoub and ERC, and will give its decision on Friday, 5 March 2010.
Pat Barriscale (Ireland) was originally named as a member of the independent Appeal Committee but withdrew and was replaced by Robert Williams (Wales).
Under the IRB Recommended Sanctions for Offences Committed within the Playing Enclosure, contact with the eyes / eye area carries the following penalties:
Lower End: 12 weeks
Middle Range: 18 weeks
Top End: 24 weeks+
Maximum Sanction: 156 weeks
For a full list of IRB Recommended Sanctions please refer to ercrugby.com by pressing the following link:
http://www.ercrugby.com/images/content/cupstandard/IRB_Sanctions.pdf
Independent Appeal Committee
a) Following a decision of an independent Disciplinary Hearing, both the Club/player and ERC have the right to appeal the decision of the Judicial Officer.
b) The initial independent Disciplinary Hearings are determined by an independent Judicial Officer. Appeal Hearings are determined by a three man independent Appeal Committee.
c) The independent Appeal Committee is chosen by the Chairman of the independent Disciplinary Panel, Professor Lorne Crerar.
d) The independent Judicial Officer who issued the decision being challenged may not sit on the independent Appeal Committee
