An independent Appeal Committee on Wednesday, 20 May, 2009, dismissed the appeal brought by Alan Quinlan, the Munster back row forward (No 6), against the decision of an independent Disciplinary Committee.
The independent Appeal Committee, chaired by Professor Lorne Crerar (Scotland) and also comprising Rod McKenzie (Scotland) and HHJ Jeff Blackett (England), found that Alan Quinlan had not demonstrated that the original decision had been in error, or that it should be overturned or varied, and accordingly the Appeal Committee dismissed the appeal and upheld the suspension imposed on the player of twelve (12) weeks.
The appeal was against the decision of the original independent Disciplinary Committee (Wednesday, 13 May, 2009) which found Mr Quinlan guilty of an act contrary to good sportsmanship in contravention of Law 10.4 (k) in that he made contact with the eye area of Leo Cullen (Leinster) during the Heineken Cup semi-final match against Leinster at Croke Park, Dublin, on Saturday, 2 May, 2009.
The 12 week suspension is for 12 playing weeks. The off-season is not included in the period of ineligibility and he will be eligible to resume playing on 10 September, 2009.
NOTES :
Independent Appeal Committee
a) Following a decision of an independent Disciplinary Committee, both the Club/player and ERC have the right to appeal the decision of the Committee.
b) The independent Appeal Committee is chosen by the Chairman of the independent Disciplinary Panel, Professor Lorne Crerar.
c) None of the members of the independent Disciplinary Committee who issued the decision being challenged in the appeal may sit on the independent Appeal Committee.
d)The full written decision of the independent Appeal Committee will be available on www.ercrugby.com/disciplinenews when the disciplinary process is complete.
