Danny Cipriani banned as controversial red card decision upheld

Gloucester outhalf Danny Cipriani has been suspended following an independent Disciplinary Hearing in Paris today following his red card sending off from his club’s Heineken Champions Cup, Round 2 match against Munster.

Cipriani was sent off by the referee, Alexandre Ruiz in the 29th minute of the match for tackling the Munster Rugby centre, Rory Scannell, dangerously in contravention of Law 9.13.

Law 9.13 Dangerous tackling

Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.13 carries the following sanction entry points - Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 6 weeks; Top end: 10 to 52 weeks.

An independent Disciplinary Committee heard evidence and submissions from Cipriani, who accepted the red card decision, from the Gloucester Rugby Director of Rugby, David Humphreys, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.

"Oh, that is nasty."

? Red Card for Danny Cipriani for a direct shoulder to the face of Niall Scannell. #ChampionsCup #VMSport pic.twitter.com/61ZG1NyPke— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) October 20, 2018

The Committee upheld the red card decision and found that the act of foul play was at the mid-range of World Rugby’s sanctions and selected six weeks as the appropriate entry point.

There were no aggravating factors and due to the player’s clear disciplinary record and his timely expression of remorse, the Committee decided to reduce the sanction by the maximum allowable of 50% before imposing a three-week suspension.

Cipriani is free to play on Monday, 12 November 2018. Both he and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.