Experienced Argentina back-row Pablo Matera will miss his country’s November international with Italy after he was suspended for two weeks for receiving a red card against South Africa.
Matera received his marching orders for charging into a ruck in the 56th minute of Los Pumas’ 48-7 defeat against the Springboks in their Round Six Rugby Championship clash in Mbombela last month.
The former Los Pumas captain’s shoulder charge struck Springboks front-row Vincent Koch’s head. After watching television replays, referee Ben O’Keeffe issued a yellow card to Matera.
Yellow card upgraded to red
Matera’s card was upgraded to red following a review from the TMO Bunker.
A SANZAAR disciplinary committee comprised of Helen Morgan (chair), Mike Mika, and John Langford upheld Matera’s red card.
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“The player made contact without binding on to another player in the ruck and striking an opponent’s head with their shoulder at speed,” a statement by governing body SANZAAR said on Tuesday.
“These actions are deemed to constitute ‘foul play’ as per the new directive, thereby warranting a two-week suspension.
‘Suspended up to and including November 10’
“Therefore, the player is suspended up to and including November 10.”
The suspension means Matera will be unavailable for selection for Argentina’s clash against Italy in Udine on November 9.
The 31-year-old will be available for Los Pumas’ Tests against Ireland in Dublin on November 15 and France in Paris on November 23.
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