An independent Disciplinary Hearing was convened by conference call today (Thursday, 6 January, 2011) concerning the red card issued to Nicola Bezzati, the Petrarca Rugby player (No 6)...
... during the Amlin Challenge Cup Pool 2 match against Cetransa El Salvador at Campo de Pepe Rojo on Sunday, 19 December, 2010.
The red card was issued in the 37thminute of the first half by referee Laurent Cardona (France) for punching a Cetransa El Salvador player in contravention of Law 10.4 (a).
After considering the evidence, the independent Judicial Officer, Pat Barriscale (Ireland), determined that Mr Bezzati was guilty of foul play in contravention of Law 10.4 (a) in that he punched an opponent.
The independent Judicial Officer found that the offence was in the mid-range of the level of seriousness for an offence of this type and decided on an entry point of five (5) weeks.
Having taken into account mitigating factors which included Mr Bezzati's guilty plea and exemplary record, the Judicial Officer reduced the period of suspension by two (2) weeks and suspended the player for a period of three (3) weeks.
Mr Bezzati is free to play on Monday, 10 January, 2011.
Law 10.4 (a) Punching - A player must not punch an opponent.
Under the IRB Recommended Sanctions for Offences Committed within the Playing Enclosure, Law 10.4 (a) - Punching an Opponent, carries the following penalties: Low End: 2 weeks; Middle Range: 5 weeks; Top End: 8+ weeks; Maximum Sanction: 52 weeks
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) Citing hearings will be heard by an independent Judicial Officer as soon as is practicable. Until the hearing a cited player is eligible to play in ERC tournaments
b) The independent Judicial Officer is chosen by the Chairman of the independent Disciplinary Panel, Professor Lorne Crerar.
c) The ERC Disciplinary Officer, Roger O'Connor, presents the case against the player
d) 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 from the Chairman of the independent Disciplinary Committee
e) The full written decision of the independent Judicial Officer will be available on www.ercrugby.com/disciplinenews when the disciplinary process is complete
