Uproar over Zander Fagerson ban that puts him out of the Six Nations

Zander Fagerson will miss the rest of Scotland’s Six Nations campaign after receiving a four-match suspension for his red card against Wales.

Tighthead prop Fagerson collided with Wyn Jones’ head when clearing out a ruck in Scotland’s 25-24 defeat in Edinburgh on Saturday.

Fagerson’s four-week suspension means he will miss Scotland’s remaining Six Nations matches against France, Ireland and Italy.

Correct me if I’m wrong here. Zander Fagerson banned for 4 matches for a mistimed clean out. His red card has been widely debated.
POM banned for 3 matches for an elbow to the face of a player. Everyone in agreement it was a red card. THIS IS ALL WRONG @SixNationsRugby

— Stephen Ferris (@StephenFerris6) February 16, 2021

Fagerson told a Six Nations disciplinary hearing he accepted the act of foul play, but did not believe the offence warranted a red card.

“The disciplinary committee found that the act of foul play warranted a mid-range entry point, six weeks’ suspension, and reduced that by two weeks to take account of mitigating factors, including his admission of foul play, good disciplinary record and remorse,” read a Six Nations statement.

“Mr Fagerson is therefore suspended for four weeks and, given his playing schedule, he will miss the three Scotland matches in the Guinness Six Nations Championship against France, Ireland and Italy, and one further match to be determined.”

Glasgow star Fagerson’s insistence his infringement did not merit a red card will only serve to extend the fall-out of a decision hotly contested by many in Scotland colours.

The incident has been compared to that of Peter O’Mahony’s clearcut, which only got a three-week ban.

POM – 3 weeks for clearing out a prone player at speed and hitting Tom Francis face
Zander Fagerson – 4 weeks for attempting to clear a jackler pic.twitter.com/mY93kC9H6h

— John Barclay (@johnbarc86) February 17, 2021

Hamish Watson initially branded Fagerson’s red card “rubbish”, “absolutely dreadful” and “not rugby”.

But the flanker then later described those comments of his own as “poor” on social media, having had time to reflect and insisting he had been speaking on emotion.