Quins' Skinner handed two-week ban

David Brown
Friday 23 December 2011 01:00 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The Harlequins flanker Will Skinner has been handed a two-week ban after he was sent off – while on the sidelines – during last weekend's Heineken Cup 31-24 victory over Toulouse in France.

Skinner received a red card from Irish referee Alain Rolland for what European Rugby Cup described as "an act contrary to good sportsmanship".

It followed an incident a minute from time at Le Stadium when Skinner, who had been replaced some 30 minutes earlier, played the match ball in the technical zone and prevented Toulouse from taking a quick line-out.

Following yesterday's disciplinary hearing in Dublin, an ERC statement read: "For red card hearings, the onus rests with the player to demonstrate that the referee's decision to issue the red was wrong. The judicial officer found the player had not demonstrated that, and he accordingly upheld the red card.

"Employing the IRB-recommended sanctions for acts contrary to good sportsmanship, the judicial officer decided that the offence was at the low-end entry point of four weeks.

"Having taken into account the mitigating factors, including the player's excellent record, he decided on the maximum reduction of 50 per cent and imposed a suspension of two weeks."

Skinner, who can appeal the decision, will be free to play again on 2 January. He will miss Quins' Premiership games against Saracens at Twickenham next Tuesday and the New Year's Eve trip to Exeter.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in