An independent Judicial Officer on Wednesday, 14 October, considered the case of Andrew Beattie, the Bath Rugby back row forward (No 6) who received a red card during the Heineken Cup Round 1 Ulster Rugby v Bath Rugby game at Ravenhill on Friday.
The player received a red card from Welsh referee James Jones in the 75th minute for stamping on an opponent in contravention of Law 10.4 (b).
The independent Judicial Officer appointed for the hearing was Roger Morris (Wales).
Following an admission of guilt by Mr. Beattie and after considering the evidence available, the independent Judicial Officer determined that the offence was mid-range in the level of seriousness for stamping.
Having taken into account any mitigating and aggravating factors the independent Judicial Officer suspended the player for a period of three (3) weeks running up to an including Sunday, 1 November, 2009.
Under IRB Regulation 17 and the ERC Heineken Cup Disciplinary Rules the recommended sanction entry point for a mid-range offence of stamping is five (5) weeks.
Both parties have the right to appeal.
Notes
(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
