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Saracens prop Robin Hislop off the hook for red card
By Ian Cameron
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) have rescinded a red card given to Saracens prop Robin Hislop on the weekend.
The decision was made after an independent disciplinary panel, chaired by Charles Cuthbert and featuring Martyn Wood and Philip Davies, reviewed the case.
Hislop had been given a red card during the Gallagher Premiership game against Sale Sharks on Saturday for dangerous tackling, a violation of World Rugby Law 9.13. However, after reviewing the evidence presented, the panel determined that the red card was unwarranted and should be downgraded to a yellow card.
Cuthbert, panel chair said: "Having considered all the evidence, the panel concluded that the red card should be rescinded and an on-field yellow card awarded in its place.
"The panel, having heard evidence from the club and player, found that the player was entitled to mitigation under the Head Contact Process (HCP) having deemed that he was "passive" in the tackle whereas the match officials had decided that there was no mitigation available to the player under the HCP as the player had been "dynamic" in the tackle."
The decision is sure to be a relief for 'Bomber' Hislop and Saracens DoR Mark McCall, who had fought the prop's corner over the incident. Hislop is free to play and will be on the bench this evening against the Scarlets, the club have said.
Watch the incident below:
The original decision to red-card the prop was meet with opprobrium from many fans on social media, who felt the collision did not warrant a sending-off.
The case highlights the importance of having independent disciplinary panels in place to ensure that decisions are made fairly and objectively. This decision may spark debate among rugby fans and players alike, but for now, Hislop can breathe a sigh of relief and focus on his team's upcoming games.
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Latest Comments
Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.
Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.
As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.
Go to commentsGood grief
Beauden was his usual industrious self mixing deft touches with mindless kicks
6 or 7 max!!
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