Finlay Christie suspended for three weeks

Chiefs half-back Finlay Christie has been suspended for three weeks after stamping on an opponent during a Super Rugby match at the weekend.

The incident occurred in the 41st minute of the match between the Force and Chiefs played at NIB Stadium, Perth on 22 April 2017.

The SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee issued a statement saying, "Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, which included an additional video clip, a statement from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Aaron Lloyd, the Foul Play Review Committee upheld the citing under Law 10.4(b)." 
 
"With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of 6 weeks. The Committee viewed the Player's action as reckless and although as a result of that action the Player made contact with the forehead of the opponent, such contact was made with a comparative lack of force (the opponent thought that his head had been "stood on") and resulted in a grazing of the skin and no laceration. However, taking into account mitigating factors including the Player's youth and inexperience, his excellent disciplinary record, his contrition and his early guilty plea, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to 3 weeks." 

"The player is therefore suspended for 3 weeks, up to and including the Friday 19 May.”