No Zach Mercer ban as his red card at Exeter has been rescinded
England prospect Zach Mercer has had the controversial red card he picked up at Exeter last Sunday rescinded at a midweek disciplinary hearing. The Gloucester-bound No8 was playing for Montpellier at Sandy Park in the Heineken Champions Cup round-of-16 when he was sent off for a collision with the head of Chiefs’ Christ Tshiunza.
Referee Andrew Brace believed the early second-half incident merited a red card and Mercer, who will be eligible for England selection for the upcoming Rugby World Cup after signing a 2023/24 Gallagher Premiership deal, could only look on haplessly from the stands as Montpellier went on to be eliminated on the try count rule after the match ended 33 points each after extra-time.
That agonising outcome denied the French club from securing a quarter-final versus the Stormers, but at least Mercer has now had his reputation restored by having the red card overturned. A statement read: “Zach Mercer has had the red card shown to him during his club’s round-of-16 match against Exeter dismissed following an independent disciplinary hearing.
“Mercer was sent off by referee Andrew Brace in the 50th minute of the match for tackling Exeter back row Christ Tshiunza in a dangerous manner in contravention of law 9.13.
“An independent disciplinary committee comprising David Martin (Ireland, chair), Gordon Black (Ireland) and Bogdan Zebega (Romania) viewed footage of the incident and heard evidence by video conference from Mercer, who accepted that he had committed an act of foul play but did not accept that it warranted a red card.
“The committee also heard submissions from Montpellier director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre, from the French club’s defence and laws coach Alex Ruiz, from team manager Tom Whitford, and from EPCR disciplinary officer Liam McTiernan. The club’s legal representative, Joris Loupien, was also present during the hearing.
“The committee decided that although Mercer had committed an act of foul play, the tackle did not warrant a red card. The sending-off was therefore dismissed and Mercer is free to play. EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.”
Latest Comments
wel the crusaders were beaten by a queensland reds side that hadnt beaten them at home since 1999 and queensland reds partied like it was 1999
Go to commentsThink it was a great defensive performance by Northampton. They didn't have stage fright in the first half, the Nienaber defense smothered them. They limited Leinster to 15-3 in the first half. It could have been over by then. A great try from Leinster in the start of the second half looked to have sealed it. But Byrne missed another conversion. Northampton started trying little kicks behind the Leinster wingers. Leinster messed one and Smith brilliantly made the conversion. Leinster decided to tighten the game after Byrne missed a straight forward penalty. A few errors got NH into the 22 and they scored and converted with a few minutes left. Another brilliant steal from Lawes saw NH have a final attack which was turned over by Conan. A classic semi final. World record attendance of 82,300. Leinsters 3 week preparation warranted for this one.
Go to comments