Scarlets’ Lee gets a two week suspension

The Scarlets tight-head prop, Samson Lee has been suspended for two weeks following an independent Disciplinary Hearing in Dublin today arising from the Heineken Cup Round One match against Harlequins last Saturday.

Lee is alleged to have stamped or trampled on the Harlequins player, Danny Care, during the second half of the Pool 4 match at the Twickenham Stoop. He was shown a yellow card by referee, John Lacey (Ireland).

The complaint was made by the match Citing Commissioner, Jean-Claude Legendre (France). Under the IRB Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 10.4(b) carries the following sanction entry points - Low End: two weeks; Mid Range: five weeks; Top End: nine to 52 weeks.

The independent Judicial Officer, Rod McKenzie (Scotland), heard submissions and evidence from Lee, who pleaded not guilty to the offence, from Scarlets representative, Gareth Jenkins, and from ERC Disciplinary Officer, Roger O'Connor.

The Judicial Officer determined that Lee was going for the ball, but in doing so, Lee’s boot made contact with Care’s face in a reckless manner, and that in his opinion, the offence warranted a red card.

He found that the act was at the low-end entry point of the IRB’s sanctioning regime (2 weeks) and although there were no aggravating factors, and although Lee had a clean record, the player had pleaded not guilty and therefore, no mitigation was possible in this case.

He imposed a suspension of two weeks. Lee has the right to appeal. The Bordeaux-Bègles second row, Adam Jaulhac has been suspended for one week after being found guilty of punching Bath flanker Francois Louw.

Clermont Auvergne wing Naipolioni Nalaga was also called to a disciplinary hearing but the yellow card he received for catching Racing Metro 92 wing Marc Andrieu with his knee to the head during that match was considered sufficient punishment.