Warburton banned for three weeks

RUGBY:WELSH CAPTAIN Sam Warburton was banned for three weeks yesterday for the dangerous tackle that earned him a red card in Wales's Rugby World Cup semi-final defeat to France.

The 23-year-old was dismissed by referee Alain Rolland for the tackle on winger Vincent Clerc inside the first quarter of Saturday’s match at Eden Park, which the French edged 9-8 despite a brave performance from the Welsh.

Warburton, who has 48 hours to appeal, was handed the punishment after a disciplinary hearing and will miss Friday’s third and fourth place play-off against Australia who yesterday lost to New Zealand in their semi-final.

“The independent judicial officer . . . determined the ordering off to be appropriate in law and the action in line with IRB directives,” read a statement issued by tournament organisers.

Warburton admitted the offence, the statement added, and had avoided a more lengthy ban because of mitigating circumstances, including his “outstanding character, disciplinary record and remorse”.

The International Rugby Board (IRB) issued a statement on Sunday reiterating their “zero tolerance” on dangerous tackles.

Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards told reporters he felt consideration should be given to intent in such matters.

“It was not deliberate what Sam did,” he said. “I have seen it deliberate where you put your hand underneath, lift him and spin him, and I have had it done to myself and it is horrible.

“You know it is deliberate when you see someone put the hand underneath the crotch and spin him around and drop him to the floor and basically follow on yourself.”

However IRB referees manager Paddy O’Brien later gave Rolland his full backing.

“(The decision) was absolutely correct in law and in keeping with the clear instructions that match officials have received in recent years regarding dangerous tackling,” said O’Brien in a statement.

“Alain is a highly experienced referee and had a clear view of the incident, which enabled him to make an accurate and instant decision.

“Player welfare is paramount and unions, teams and match officials are all aware of the responsibility to eradicate dangerous play.”