Skip to content

Clermont's Julien Bardy banned for striking Saracens flanker Billy Vunipola

Thursday 23 October 2014 19:42, UK

Julien Bardy: Charged with striking Billy Vunipola with his knee
Image: Julien Bardy: Found guilty of striking Billy Vunipola with his knee

Clermont Auvergne flanker Julien Bardy has been suspended for five weeks for striking Saracens No.8 Billy Vunipola during the European Rugby Champions Cup at the weekend.

Bardy has been found guilty of hitting the England forward with his knee in the final two minutes of Saturday’s first round game at Allianz Park, which Sarries won 30-23.

The 29-year-old was cited following the incident and following an independent disciplinary hearing in Dublin, he has been banned from action until December.

Trending

Bardy has been reprimanded under law 10.4a, regarding punching or striking, which says “a player must not strike an opponent with the fist or arm, including the elbow, shoulder, head or knee.

“Under the IRB Sanctions for foul play, striking a player with the knee carries the following sanction entry points - Low End: 3 weeks; Mid-Range: 8 weeks; Top End: 12+ to 52 weeks.”

Guilty plea



The independent judicial officer, Welshman Simon Thomas, heard evidence from Bardy, who pleaded guilty to the offence, from Clermont’s legal representative and from the tournament disciplinary officer Roger O'Connor.

In upholding the citing complaint, Thomas determined that the offence warranted a red card and that it was in the mid-range of the IRB sanctions for offences of this nature.

As there were no aggravating factors, he reduced the suspension by three weeks due to the player's guilty plea, his clean record, and good conduct and remorse during the hearing.

The five-week suspension will run over a seven-week term as the judicial officer chose to take into account two weeks during the period in which the player will not have played. Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.

Around Sky

Football

How to watch Premier League, EFL, WSL, Scottish Premiership, F1 and more

Other Sports

Get Sky Sports