All Blacks fullback Jordie Barrett has been cleared of any wrongdoing after he was red carded against the Wallabies in Sunday’s Rugby Championship match in Perth.
Barrett went up under a high ball and extended his leg, resulting in the oncoming Marika Koroibete collecting a boot straight in the face.
He was shown a straight red card.
However, a SANZAAR Judicial Committee Hearing has found him not guilty of contravening Law 9.11 Players must not do anything that is reckless or dangerous to others.
No further sanction has been imposed on Barrett and he is free to play.
The Judicial Hearing was held via video conference on Tuesday and was heard by Robert Stelzner SC (Chair), De Wet Barry and José Luis Rolandi.
WATCH: 4 times players were kicked in the face under a high ball
In his finding, the Judicial Committee Chair Robert Stelzner SC ruled the following:
“Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the player, a medical report on the opposition player involved, and from two expert witnesses, and having considered the submissions from his legal representative, Stephen Cottrell, the Judicial Committee found that the Player had not transgressed Rule 9.11 and had therefore not committed an act of foul play.
“He legitimately went up in the air to collect a high ball, when in trying to regain his balance on the downward trajectory, his boot inadvertently made contact with his opponent’s head. The accidental nature of the incident lead the Judicial Committee to find that there was no intentional nor reckless act of dangerous play, with the result that the Red Card is expunged from the player’s record.”
“The player is therefore free to play in the upcoming matches.”
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