Bulls' Gumede cops three-game ban

The disciplinary process related to Mpilo Gumede's red card in the United Rugby Championship Round 7 game against Connacht on Saturday has resulted in a three-game suspension.

After an act of foul play by the Vodacom Bulls No 8, referee Mike Adamson showed the player a red card in the 58th minute of the game under Law 9.12 – A player must not physically or verbally abuse anyone. Physical abuse includes but is not limited to, biting, punching, contact with the eye or eye area, striking with any part of the arm, shoulder, head or knee(s), stamping, trampling, tripping or kicking. In this instance reckless contact with the eyes.

In Gumede’s responses to the judicial officer overseeing the disciplinary process (Declan Goodwin), he had accepted that he had committed an act of foul play which warranted a red card. Goodwin found that the incident met the red card threshold, with a low-end entry point warranting a six-week suspension. The player received three weeks (50%) mitigation due to his immediate apology, full engaged participation in the disciplinary process and good record which results in a three-game suspension.

Gumede will miss the Bulls games against Saracens on Saturday, Northampton Saints on 14 December (both Investec Champions Cup) and the Hollywoodbets Sharsks on 21 December (URC).

Meanwhile, Sean Jansen, who was also shown a red card during the game has received the same punishment.

The Connacht No 8 was sent off in the 21st minute of the game under Law 9.16 – A player must not charge or knock down an opponent carrying the ball without attempting to grasp that player.

In the Jansen’s responses to the judicial officer overseeing the disciplinary process (Achille Reali), he had accepted that he had committed an act of foul play which warranted a red card. Reali found that the incident met the red card threshold, with entry of mid-range warranting a six-week suspension. The player received three weeks (50%) mitigation due to his good record and apology which results in a three-game suspension.

Jansen will miss Connacht's EPCR Challenge Cup clashes with Zebre Parma (Saturday) and USAP Perpignan (15 December) as well as their URC match against Leinster on 21 December.