Paris (AFP)
The second line of the XV of France Paul Willemse, excluded on Saturday against Wales, received a two-week suspension, organizers announced Tuesday after the player's hearing.
"The final period of suspension is two weeks," said the organizer statement, adding that the Montpellier player admitted an act of unfair play, deserving a red card, but denied having touched the eyes of his opponent.
Unsurprisingly, Willemse will not be able to challenge Scotland on Friday in the decisive match of the 2021 Tournament. "The committee acknowledged that his gesture was reckless but unintentional. We would like to thank all members of the Disciplinary Committee for their just decision. and adapted ", reacted Raphaël Ibanez, French manager.
In the 67th minute of the match between the Blues and the Welsh (32-30), the second row of the XV of France received a red card for a clearing at the neck but especially for a hand in the face of the pillar Wyn Jones, at eye level.
"I think he does not deserve a heavy sanction, I think he deserves leniency. When you look at the images, for me, there is no contact. Or, it is minimal and especially not voluntary. ", had pleaded the coach Fabien Galthié after the meeting.
Without Willemse, France faces Scotland on Friday in a late match.
She will win the tournament if she wins with the offensive bonus, by a margin of at least 21 points, necessary to overtake Wales in the standings.
© 2021 AFP