Rory Arnold suspended for seven matches

Sep 4 • General News • 3046 Views • Comments Off on Rory Arnold suspended for seven matches

GWK Griquas lock Rory Arnold was found guilty on Wednesday of contravening Law 10.4(m) following a biting incident in the team’s Absa Currie Cup clash against the Toyota Free State Cheetahs last Saturday and has received a seven-match ban. He appeared before a SARU disciplinary hearing in Cape Town on Tuesday.

The player has been suspended from all forms of rugby up to and including 19 October 2013.

Arnold received a red card for the offence in the 62nd minute of the match, after the Cheetahs’ hooker, Ethienne Reynecke, complained to the match referee, who referred the matter to the TMO before sending off Arnold.

Arnold pleaded not guilty to the charge and in his defence said that the downward pressure on his head, while trying to cross the tryline with his mouth open, had caused the marks on the arm of the Cheetahs player.

In his findings Judicial Officer Peter Ingwersen found the victim’s initial reaction was instructive due to his spontaneous response to withdraw his arm, complain to the Assistant Referee and then report the matter to the Referee.

According to the Judicial Officer, Arnold was found guilty and sanctioned “on the balance of probabilities and relying particularly on the victim’s immediate and spontaneous reactions and the doctor’s evidence.”