26 Mar 2015

SANZAR appeals Steyn decision

4:54 pm on 26 March 2015

SANZAR has lodged an appeal against the outcome of the judicial hearing which found Sharks midfielder Francois Steyn not guilty of a tip tackle.

The Sharks Francois Steyn.

The Sharks Francois Steyn. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The Springbok centre was shown a red card for his tackle on Chiefs first five Aaron Cruden in last weekend's Super Rugby clash at Kings Park.

A SANZAR Appeals Committee will hear the appeal on Friday.

In the original hearing, SANZAR judicial officer Jannie Lubbe SC found Steyn not guilty of contravening the law about dangerous play, for lifting a player from the ground and dropping or driving that player into the ground while that player's feet are still off the ground, in a way that causes the player's head and/or upper body to come into contact with the ground.

Lubbe ruled that two other Sharks players were involved in the tackle and that one of the players, Cobus Reinach, played a significant part in what appeared to be a serious and dangerous tackle.

The first hearing rescinded Steyn's red card.

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