Argentina's Pablo Matera banned after red card against South Africa
Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi
©PA
Argentina’s star flanker, Pablo Matera, has been handed a suspension following his red card during the Rugby Championship match against South Africa in September.
The SANZAAR Disciplinary Committee found Matera guilty of violating Law 9.20(a), which prohibits charging into a ruck or maul without binding onto another player.
Matera’s suspension will see him miss Argentina's upcoming Test against Italy, along with all other rugby activities, until 10 November 2024.
The incident occurred in the 56th minute of the match at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, South Africa. Matera's actions were deemed dangerous by the SANZAAR Disciplinary Committee, which was chaired by Helen Morgan, along with panel members Mike Mika and John Langford.
"The 2024 Tournament Manual issued by SANZAAR and following World Rugby Regulation 17 in conjunction with the trial disciplinary manual that specifies "The Disciplinary Committee has the power to regrade the sanction from Foul Play to Aggravated Foul Play, to regrade a sanction from Aggravated Foul Play to Foul Play, dismiss the sanction in its entirety, or impose another sanction, based on a new streamlined sanction table"," said Committee Chair Helen Morgan in a statement released.
"In circumstances where the Disciplinary Committee upholds the original sanction of the RCSC (Red Card Sanction Committee), an additional match will be added to the sanction. The purpose of this is to disincentivise players from bringing appeals which are without merit."
"Therefore, having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including submissions by the Player and the player’s representative, Aaron Lloyd, the Disciplinary Committee upheld the Red Card and found the Player contravened Law 9.20(a)."
“The Disciplinary Committee assessed the actions, including reckless foul play by the Player made contact without binding onto another player in the ruck and striking an opponent’s head with their shoulder at speed.”
