Samoa centre Rey Lee-Lo's World Cup could be over after being handed ban for high tackle

Samoa centre Rey Lee-Lo has received a three-match ban after being cited for a dangerous high tackle during the World Cup game against Russia.

An independent disciplinary panel ruled that the tackle was reckless, rather than deliberate, and warranted a red card.

It means that Lee-Lo will miss Samoa’s remaining Pool A fixtures against Scotland, Japan and Ireland.

In a statement, World Rugby said: “The committee deemed that the incident was an act of foul play and warranted a red card in line with the high tackle sanction framework.

“There was an act of foul play (which was reckless, rather than deliberate), the act of foul play was a high tackle, there was contact with the head, there was a high degree of danger.

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“The ball carrier changed height, but not sufficient to mitigate from a red card to a yellow card.

“Having acknowledged Lee-Lo’s disciplinary record, good character and conduct at the hearing, the committee reduced the six-match entry point by three matches, resulting in a sanction of three matches.”

Samoa hooker Motu Matu’u also appeared before an independent judicial committee following his citing for a dangerous high tackle in the same game.

But the committee has reserved its judgement for a period of no longer than 24 hours.

- Press Association

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