In one of the more controversial calls from the weekend, Leicester Tigers hooker Tom Youngs was red carded for a dangerous clearout during their heavy loss to Exeter Chiefs. If Leicester fans thought that was bad, it’s just got worse as a suspension has been handed down.
Youngs appeared before an independent disciplinary panel this evening after he was shown a red card by referee Tom Foley on Saturday. This was for making contact with Chiefs lock Ollie Atkins’ head in a ruck contrary to Law 9.20(a) – dangerous play in a ruck or maul.
Youngs accepted the charge and was given a three week suspension by the independent panel comprising Philip Evans QC with Richard Whittam QC and Chris Skaife.
Panel chair Philip Evans QC said: “The player accepted the charge and the facts as alleged including having made contact with his opponent’s head. The panel found the appropriate starting point was 6 weeks (mid-range).
“Given his early plea of guilty, his candid evidence to the panel, obvious remorse, playing record and personal mitigation including off-field mitigating factors, exceptionally, the panel felt able to reduce the period of suspension by 3 weeks.”
He is free to play again on 7 May 2019 taking into account Leicester Tigers’ upcoming fixtures.
Leicester sit 10th in the Gallagher Premiership table, five points above bottom side Newcastle Falcons.
If the above video doesn’t play for you, you can see one angle of it in the official match highlights below
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