Sharks centre suspended for 3 weeks for off the ball tackle

The SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee has accepted a guilty plea from Marius Louw of the Sharks for contravening Law 9.13: A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously, after he was Cited during a Super Rugby Match at the Weekend.

Louw has been suspended from all forms of the game for 3 weeks, up to and including Saturday 13 April 2019.

The incident occurred in the 72nd minute of the match between the Sharks and Rebels played at Jonnsson Kings Park in Durban on 23 March 2019.

Not sure how this isn’t a red card??

Off the ball, extremely late, high, reckless and perhaps a cheap shot too?

A yellow card shown Marius Louw #SuperRugby #SHAvREB pic.twitter.com/eqUWfm0bHJ

— Christy Doran (@ChristypDoran) March 23, 2019

The SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee of Adam Casselden SC (Chairman), Stefan Terblanche and Eroni Clarke assessed the case.

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, Adrian Montzinger, the Foul Play Review Committee upheld the citing under Law 9.13." 

"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 World Rugby instructions that dictate any incident of foul play involving contact with the head must start at a mid-range level. 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 Saturday 13 April 2019.”