Thu 6 Dec 2018 | 09:53
Chris Pennell suspended for dangerous play as instinct kicked in after unexpected jump

7
Comments

Worcester Warriors fullback Chris Pennell has been suspended following an independent disciplinary hearing that found him guilty of taking a Gloucester player out in the air in a Gallagher Premiership match on Saturday. 

He was charged with tackling Charlie Sharples while his feet were off the ground, causing him to land in a dangerous position, contrary to Law 9.17.

While it wasn't from a high kick, as is more the norm for these type of incidents, Sharples had to jump high to grab a long pass, leaving Pennell in a tough position as he ran in to make the tackle.

The fullback plead guilty and the independent disciplinary panel suspended him for two weeks. He is free to play again on 18 December 2018.

Independent panel chair John Brennan said: "The panel accepted that this was a reckless challenge caused by a misjudgement on the player's part. Fortunately, no significant injury was caused.

"The panel found the entry point was low-end. There were no aggravating features and the player was entitled to full mitigation of 50% because he admitted the charge, had a hitherto unblemished record, despite a long career, and had expressed remorse."

You can see the incident in the video below, 1:10 seconds in, as Danny Cipriani threw a long pass.

From the same weekend, Kyle Eastmond has been suspended for a dangerous tackle on Ian Madigan.

7 Comments

  • jmdavies
    12:55 PM 10/12/2018

    If you dont want to come down hard, dont go up

  • alasdairduncan3
    10:27 PM 06/12/2018

    Poor guy - carded and cited for "existing"

    • alasdairduncan3
      10:28 PM 06/12/2018

      “The panel accepted that this was a reckless challenge caused by a misjudgement on the player’s part."True - it was reckless, by Sharples.

  • Bazimus
    4:46 PM 06/12/2018

    Here is rugby in 2020https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=me1y78yMOSo

    • pickay
      5:58 PM 06/12/2018

      Too many no-arms tackles, way too dangerous, mate!

  • pickay
    12:22 PM 06/12/2018

    So did Pennell plead guilty to being kneed in the face while trying to move up in the defensive line? I wouldn't know what else he should be pleading guilty for...

  • im1
    10:32 AM 06/12/2018

    This is just wrong