The Scotland prop will miss the rest of the Six Nations
Zander Fagerson banned for four matches
Zander Fagerson will miss the rest of the Six Nations having received a four-match ban following his red card against Wales.
The Scotland tighthead was sent off in the 53rd minute of the round two match at BT Murrayfield for a dangerous charge into a ruck that saw his shoulder make contact with the head of Wales prop Wyn Jones.
In his disciplinary appearing, Fagerson accepted that he had committed an act of foul play but did not accept that it warranted a red card.
The independent committee disagreed and determined that a red card was warranted, with the offence deemed mid-range, which meant a starting point of six weeks in terms of a suspension.
Given Fagerson admitted foul play, has a good disciplinary record and showed remorse, the ban was reduced by two weeks and he will miss four matches. That means he will not be able to play in Scotland’s remaining championship fixtures against France, Ireland and Scotland while he will also miss a match for his club side, Glasgow Warriors.
The decision has caused debate, especially given that Ireland flanker Peter O’Mahony received a three-week ban for a similar incident in the opening round.
Correct me if I’m wrong here. Zander Fagerson banned for 4 matches for a mistimed clean out. His red card has been widely debated.
POM banned for 3 matches for an elbow to the face of a player. Everyone in agreement it was a red card. THIS IS ALL WRONG @SixNationsRugby— Stephen Ferris (@StephenFerris6) February 16, 2021
POM – 3 weeks for clearing out a prone player at speed and hitting Tom Francis face
Zander Fagerson – 4 weeks for attempting to clear a jackler pic.twitter.com/mY93kC9H6h— John Barclay (@johnbarc86) February 17, 2021
Zander Fagerson @Scotlandteam given a 4-week ban for his red card at Murrayfield. Peter O’Mahony got a three-match ban for his red. Same offence, same competition. Why the difference in suspension?
— Peter Jackson (@JackoRugby) February 16, 2021
Peter O’Mahony – 3 week ban
Zander Fagerson – 4 week ban (Six Nations over).
This sport. ???
— Matthew Southcombe (@MattSouth7) February 16, 2021
Both were charged for infringing Law 9.20(a): a player must not charge into a ruck or maul; charging includes any contact made without binding onto another player in the ruck or maul, and 9.20 (b) a player must not make contact with an opponent above the line of the shoulders.
A statement on O’Mahony’s hearing read: “The player admitted the act of dangerous play in a ruck and that the offending merited a red card. The player did not seek to challenge the referee’s decision.”
O’Mahony’s ban was subsequently halved due to mitigating factors, but it seems the fact Fagerson did not accept that he deserved a red card counted against him at his hearing.
Related: Does rugby’s disciplinary process need to be overhauled?
Fagerson has the right to appeal.
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