South Africa wing Bryan Habana has been cleared at his disciplinary hearing in London today after being cited for allegedly kicking Vincent Clerc during the Springboks’ 20-13 defeat to France on Friday night.
The IRB’s judicial officer for the match, professor Lorne Crerar, considered a series of video clips as well as the player’s explanation and was unable to determine, upon the balance of probabilities, that the 26-year-old had deliberately kicked his opponent.
A detailed examination of the video clips shows France fullback Damien Traille pulling Habana’s leg towards him and the prostrate player Clerc.
Habana is free to resume playing immediately. The Springboks play Saracens at Wembley tonight — a match which will feature fringe players — and Italy this weekend before completing their tour against Ireland at Croke Park on Saturday week.
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