Saracens star Theo Dan has had his citing complaint dismissed on Wednesday, following his club’s Investec Champions Cup Round 2 match against Hollywoodbets Sharks at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday, 13 December.
Dan was cited by the match Citing Commissioner, Adrien Menez (France), for dangerously tackling the Sharks wing, Makazole Mapimpi.
The alleged offence occurred in the 56th minute of the match, in contravention of Law 9.13, and as a result was issued a yellow card at the time.
The Law 9.13 states: A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously. Dangerous tackling includes, but is not limited to, tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent above the line of the shoulders even if the tackle starts below the line of the shoulders.
Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.13 carries the following sanction entry points Low-end: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 6 weeks; Top-end: 10 to 52 weeks
Not worthy of a red
An independent Disciplinary Committee comprising Jennifer Donovan (Ireland, Chair), Bogdan Zebega (Romania), and Gordon Black (Ireland) heard the case via video conference yesterday, Tuesday, 16 December. The Committee heard evidence and submissions from the player and his representatives, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.
Dan accepted that he had committed an act of foul play, but did not accept that it warranted a red card. The Committee sided with Dan’s verdict, determining that the offence did not warrant a red card, and the citing complaint was therefore dismissed.
Dan is free to play immediately, although the EPCR has the right to appeal the decision, should they wish to.
Dan is expected to return to action straight away, having firmly secured the number one hooker position in Jamie George’s relative absence this season so far. Now age 24, Dan is likely to carry on the mantle from George when he eventually retires from both club and international rugby.
READ MORE: PREM latest: Wales international makes cross-league switch as length of deal confirmed