Opinion divided: CJ Stander cops one-match ban for Lambie KO

Was it a red card offence or not? That’s one of the debates that’s been raging after CJ Stander was sent off for smashing into Pat Lambie, knocking the Bok flyhalf unconscious and out of the second Test between South African and Ireland on Saturday. Stander received the immediate support of his coach Joe Schmidt, who flirted with outright criticism of the referee by describing the punishment as “very, very harsh”. That sentiment was echoed by veteran referee Jonathan Kaplan, who said the collision was accidental and something that’s bound to happen in a contact sport. Former Bok coach and Supersport analyst Nick Mallet said Stander deserved the red card because Stander’s timing of the jump was wrong and it constituted dangerous play. The Judicial Officer has now ruled on the matter saying the ref was right but the offence was only worth a one-game suspension. – David O’Sullivan

From Sport24

Cape Town – Ireland loose forward CJ Stander has received a one-match suspension for his late challenge on Springbok flyhalf Patrick Lambie during the first Test of the series between South Africa and Ireland at Newlands on Saturday.

https://youtu.be/LqFRGNRcT48

The matter was heard by the Judicial Officer Terry Willis of Australia on Sunday, 12 and Monday, June 13.

After hearing the evidence and submissions made by Gerrie Swart, representative of the player, the Judicial Officer was not satisfied on the balance of probability that the referee, Mathieu Raynal of France, was wrong when he issued the red card to the player.

As a result, the player was suspended for one match and will miss the second Test scheduled for Saturday, June 18 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, whereafter he is free to play again.

http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/Springboks/stander-suspended-for-lambie-late-challenge-20160613

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