Bulls boost as Springboks hopeful cleared after panel decides that controversial ‘red card should not have been issued’ due too….
Bulls back David Kriel is free to play the remainder of his team’s touring matches against the Scarlets and Benetton.
This is after a Disciplinary Panel rescinded his red card in last weekend’s clash against the Ospreys.
Big Bulls boost
The URC confirmed the news on Wednesday in a statement explaining that a red card should not have been issued due to a “combination of factors”.
Kriel was given his marching orders in the 49th minute of the Bulls’ 29-19 victory over the Ospreys after he was judged to have acted dangerously when leading with his forearm into contact with fly-half Dan Edwards.
After consulting with the TMO and his assistants, referee Eoghan Cross issued the red card to Kriel.
“It’s clear, we have a clear forearm lead from #12 Bulls, it’s the non-carrying ball arm and I’m seeing him lead with the forearm straight into the neck and head area of the Ospreys #10,” Cross explained.
“I’m seeing a high degree of danger and no mitigating circumstances.”
However, the panel disagreed with the referee’s decision after hearing from Kriel.
“The Disciplinary process related to David Kriel’s Red Card in the BKT United Rugby Championship Round 4 game against Ospreys on Saturday October 12 has been rescinded,” the statement read.
“The Player (David Kriel, No 12) received a Red Card in the 49th minute of the game under Law 9.11 – Players must not do anything that is reckless or dangerous to others including leading with the elbow or forearm, or jumping into, or over, a tackler.
“The Panel overseeing the disciplinary process Roddy Dunlop KC (Chair, Scotland), Donal Courtney and Gordon Black (both Ireland), found that while an act of foul play had occurred and the Player made contact with the neck area of the tackler, a combination of factors (including the Player’s attempt at a hand-off to protect himself, the speed & height of the tackling player, and the low force of the contact in question) was such that the Player had established, on balance of probability, that a red card should not have been issued. The card was thus rescinded.
“As a result, the Player is now free to play and available for selection this weekend.”
