The title of this was going to be ‘Jonathan Thomas goes a little mental’, but I didn’t think it would be appropriate. It describes things nicely though, as the Ospreys forward totally lost the plot against Cardiff Blues, throwing multiple punches, resulting in suspension.
Hes been banned for two weeks, effectively ruling himself out of the autumn Test opener between his country, Wales, and New Zealand. He was named in Warren Gatlands Welsh squad for the autumn internationals last weekend.
Thomas was cited for striking an opponent during their 20-12 loss to Cardiff in the Magners League, resulting in a disciplinary panel ruling that he should be suspended for a fortnight, which leads to coach Gatland having to call for a replacement.
A Welsh Rugby Union disciplinary panel statement read: The panel upheld the citing and deemed the offence to be on the low end of the scale and suspended the player for two weeks from the time of the hearing.
Former Wales assistant coach Allan Lewis says that Thomas was lucky to have not been banned for longer after his unacceptable behaviour.
“I think it’s a blow for Wales, I think it’s a blow for the squad that he’s not there because he’s a very experienced player,” Lewis told BBC Sport Wales.
“But I was absolutely appalled with his action, I think he’s been very fortunate that he’s only missing the New Zealand game.
“In fact, he could very well have been banned for a whole month.”
Thomas’ victim, Blues lock Deiniol Jones, said: “That’s the decision that was made. He lashed out, I think. I was not totally innocent myself.
“It’s the way it is and he’s been given a two-week ban and I’m sure the people who made the decision thought that’s appropriate and so be it, that’s fine.”
Thomas himself said earlier: “I am really disappointed with the suspension.
“But I admit that my actions were wrong and that a punishment had to be served as a result, the 47 times capped Welsh international said.
This is a very short, overly dramatic clip but I felt the music captured the mood of the demons inside Thomas’ head when he lost it.
Time:
0:32
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