Akker van der Merwe's suspension leaves the Sharks light on hookers
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Sharks hooker Akker van der Merwe pleaded guilt for contravening Law 9.12: A player must not physically abuse anyone, after he was Red Carded for a fight with Bulls hooker Schalk Brits during a Super Rugby Match at the Weekend.
Van der Merwe has been suspended from all forms of the game for 3 weeks, up to and including 19 April 2019.
The incident occurred in the 58th minute of the match between the Sharks and Bulls played at Johnson Kings Park in Durban on 30 March 2019.
The SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee of Adam Casselden SC (Chairman), Stefan Terblanche and Eroni Clarke assessed the case.
🥊 'And then the angry Warthog goes buzzerk!'
— Sky Sports Rugby (@SkySportsRugby) March 30, 2019
Both hookers see red in Durban! Schalk Brits and Akker van der Merwe lose control in the South African 🇿🇦 derby!
16-16 with 5 minutes to go! Live now on @SkySports Arena. #SHAvBUL pic.twitter.com/2vhAX5K5Fs
In his finding, Foul Play Review Committee Chairman Adam Casselden SC ruled the following:
"Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Attie Heyns, the Foul Play Review Committee upheld the Red Card under Law 9.12."
"With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of 6 weeks due to the World Rugby instructions that dictate any incident of foul play involving contact with the head must start at a mid-range level. The evidence demonstrated the Player contacted the opposing Player's head with multiple punches. However, taking into account mitigating factors including the Player's good judicial record and the fact the Player has pleaded guilty at the first available opportunity, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to 3 weeks."
"The player is therefore suspended for 3 weeks, up to and including 19 April 2019.”
Van der Merwe's suspension leaves the Sharks short on hookers with Chiliboy Ralepelle still battling his doping case, Craig Burden is injured as too is Kerron van Heerden.
