South African Kurt-Lee Arendse receives limited ban from the game after shocking challenge

Following on from the horror red card challenge from Kurt-Lee Arendse in last weekend’s match-up, the Foul Play Review Committee has ruled on a reduced suspension.

Considered to be a highly dangerous and reckless challenge, it was thought that the player may well be looking at a longer sentence around the 12-week mark.

Due to it being accepted that Arendse had no malice in the attempted challenge and it being purely accidental, the top-level suspension was to be 8 weeks.

This was reduced to just 4, based on Arendse’s previously exemplary disciplinary record and his early acceptance of guilt.

Chairman Michael Heron QC had the following to say:

“Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Attie Heyns, the Foul Play Review Committee upheld the red card under Law 9.17.”

“With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee considered the act of foul play was reckless, highly dangerous and had a considerable impact on the victim player.  The Committee accepted it was not deliberate and after considering all relevant factors decided the foul play merited a mid-range entry point of 8 weeks. However, taking into account mitigating factors including the Player’s clean judicial record and his acceptance of guilt at the first available opportunity, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to 4 weeks.”

“The player is therefore suspended for 4 weeks, up to and including 17 September 2022.”