Naughty Grewcock's lengthy ban
Thu, 28 Jan 2010 22:58
Bath lock Danny Grewcock's poor disciplinary record counted against him, as he was on Thursday banned for seven weeks - after being found guilty of stamping on Ulster flank Stephen Ferris.
The veteran forward, who will be of action until March 13, was red-carded in the 32nd minute of Bath's 10-28 10 Heineken Cup defeat last Saturday.
Grewcock has endured a torrid disciplinary record, having missed the 2007 World Cup after punching French lock Thibault Privat.
In a statement the controlling body of European rugby, ERC, said that after considering the evidence, the independent Judicial Officer, Jean-Noel Couraud (France), determined that Danny Grewcock was guilty of foul play in contravention of Law 10.4 (b) - in that he stamped on the arm of Ferris.
"The Judicial Officer found that the offence was in the mid range in the level of seriousness for an offence of this type," the statement said.
Under the International Rugby Board recommended sanctions for offences committed within the playing enclosure, Law 10.4 (b) - Stamping on an opponent - carries a penalty of five weeks for mid-range offences.
However, having taken into account any mitigating and aggravating factors, including "Grewcock's disciplinary record", the independent Judicial Officer suspended the player for a period of seven weeks.
Both parties have the right to appeal.
Thursday's verdict is yet another blow for Bath's troubled season, with Grewcock set to miss six matches, including Guinness Premiership fixtures against London Irish, Worcester, Saracens and Newcastle.
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