Bothma Handed One Month Ban

Renaldo Bothma of Harlequins appeared before an independent disciplinary panel on Wednesday. 

Bothma was shown a red card by referee Wayne Barnes in the 28th minute of the Premiership Cup match Harlequins v Saracens on Saturday 26 January 2019. This was for striking with the arm, contrary to Law 9.12.
 

The player accepted the charge and was given a four-week suspension by the independent panel comprising Philip Evans QC (chair) with Dr Julian Morris and Tim Naylor. Bothma is free to play again on 12 March 2019.

Panel chair Philip  Evans QC said: “The player accepted the charge at the earliest opportunity and that he had made contact with the head of the opposition player. The mandatory mid-range entry point was therefore applied.

"As a result of the player’s disciplinary record, he was not entitled to full mitigation but was given two weeks credit for his plea, immediate apology on-field and remorse.”