A citing complaint against the Emirates Lions hooker, PJ Botha, has been dismissed following an independent Disciplinary Hearing arising from his club’s EPCR Challenge Cup, Round 4 match against the Ospreys at Emirates Airline Park.
Botha was cited by the match Citing Commissioner, Olivier Astier (France), for allegedly striking the Ospreys back row, Harri Deaves, in a dangerous manner in the 4th minute of the match in contravention of Law 9.12.
Law 9.12 Striking with the hand, arm, elbow or shoulder
Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.12 striking with the hand, arm, elbow or shoulder carries the following sanction entry points - Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 6 weeks; Top end: 10 to 52 weeks
An independent Disciplinary Committee comprising Matt O’Grady (England), Chair, Donal Courtney (Ireland) and Becky Essex (England) studied video imagery of the incident and heard evidence from Botha who accepted that he had committed an act of foul play but did not accept that it warranted a red card.
The committee also heard submissions from the player’s legal representative, Adrian Montzinger, from the Emirates Lions Head of Rugby Operations, Tracy van Ginkel, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.
The committee found that Botha had committed an act of foul play, however, it decided that the offence did not warrant a red card, and the citing complaint was therefore dismissed.
Botha is free to play immediately and EPCR has the right to appeal the decision.