Two Welsh players have received suspensions following red cards in Round 3 European action. Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues) is suspended for five weeks while Jevon Groves (Newport Gwent Dragons) is out for two weeks.

Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues)

Cardiff Blues scrum half, Lloyd Williams (No 9), has been suspended for five weeks following an independent Disciplinary Hearing in Dublin today (Thursday, 13 December 2012) arising from a red card from the Heineken Cup Round 3, Pool 6 match against Montpellier at Cardiff Arms Park on Sunday, 9 December 2012.

Williams was shown a red card by referee, John Lacey (Ireland), in the 24th minute of the match for an alleged 'tip' tackle on the Montpellier scrum half, Benoit Paillaugue (No 9), in contravention of Law 10.4(j).

The independent Judicial Officer, Jeremy Summers (England), heard submissions from Williams, from Cardiff Blues Team Manager, Gafyn Cooper, and from ERC Disciplinary Officer, Roger O’Connor. Employing the IRB recommended sanctions for Law 10.4(j), determined that the offence was at the mid-range entry point of eight weeks. In line with the IRB memorandum on 'tip' tackles, the Judicial Officer added a further one week as a deterrent.

When considering the mitigating factors the Judicial Officer applied the maximum of four weeks for the player’s guilty plea, record and clear remorse, and accordingly suspended the player for five weeks.

Williams will be free to play on 14 January 2013.

Law 10.4(j) – Lifting a player from the ground and dropping or driving that player on the ground whilst that player’s feet are still off the ground such that the player’s head and/or upper body come into contact with the ground is dangerous play.

Under the IRB Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 10.4(j) carries the following penalties: Low End: 4 weeks; Mid Range: 8 weeks; Top End: 12+ to 52 weeks. Note that under the new ‘IRB Sanctions for Foul Play’ table that was introduced this season, the entry point for sanctions for Tip Tackles was increased.

Jevon Groves (Newport Gwent Dragons)

Newport Gwent Dragons wing forward, Jevon Groves (No 6), has been suspended for two weeks following an independent Disciplinary Hearing in Dublin today (Thursday, 13 December 2012) arising from a red card from the Amlin Challenge Cup Round 3, Pool 3 match against Rugby Mogliano at Stadio Maurizio Quaggia on Saturday, 8 December 2012.

Groves was shown a red card by referee, Ian Tempest (England), in the 29th minute of the match for an alleged 'tip' tackle on the Rugby Mogliano full back, Ezio Galon (No 15), in contravention of Law 10.4(j).

The independent Judicial Officer, Jeremy Summers (England), amended the charge to an offence under Law 10.4(e) as he determined that the offence was a dangerous tackle and not a 'tip' tackle as defined by Law 10.4(j).

Having heard submissions from Groves, from Newport Gwent Dragons’ Director of Rugby, Robert Beale, and from ERC Disciplinary Officer, Roger O’Connor, and employing the IRB recommended sanctions for Law 10.4(e), the Judicial Officer determined that the offence was at the low-end entry point of two weeks.

After considering any mitigating and aggravating factors, he imposed a suspension of two weeks.

Groves will be free to play on 24 December 2012.

Law 10.4(e) – Dangerous Tackling – A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously.

Under the IRB Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 10.4(e) carries the following penalties: Low End: 2 weeks; Mid Range: 6 weeks; Top End: 10+ to 52 weeks.

Notes
(i) Red Cards
a) The case of any player sent off in Heineken Cup or Amlin Challenge Cup games 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) Disciplinary Hearing
a) The independent Judicial Officer is chosen by the Chairman of the independent Disciplinary Panel, Professor Lorne Crerar.
b) ERC’s Disciplinary Officer, Roger O'Connor, presents the case against the player.
c) 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 3 working days of receiving the full written decision of the independent Judicial Officer.
d) The full written decision of the independent Judicial Officer will be available on www.ercrugby.com/disciplinenews when the disciplinary process is complete
e) For the IRB Sanctions for Foul Play go to www.irb.com