URC review finds Levi Douglas red card not even a penalty

A URC review has found that a red card handed to Dragons RFC lock Levi Douglas was not even a penalty.

Referee Eoghan Cross showed Douglas a red card in the thirty-third minute for an apparent croc roll during the Welsh side’s recent 15-15 draw with Benetton, but the competition disciplinary process found that not only was it not a red card, but that it didn’t ‘amount to an offence’.

A statement reads: “The Disciplinary process related to Levi Douglas Red Card in the BKT United Rugby Championship Round 12 game against Benetton on Saturday, February 28 has resulted in the card being rescinded.

“After an act of foul play by Dragons RFC player No 4 (Levi Douglas), referee Eoghan Cross showed the Player a Red Card in the 33rd minute of the game under Law 9.20d – Dangerous play in ruck or maul. A Player may remove the stealer/jackler from the tackle area by pushing/driving them backwards (including by grabbing the knee/leg), but must not roll, pull or twist the opponent.

“The Panel overseeing the disciplinary process Jennifer Donovan (Chair), Mike Ross and Mark Curran (all Ireland) found that the actions of the Player did not amount to an offence contrary to Law 9.20d. The Red Card was thus rescinded.”

Douglas is free to play with immediate effect.

Meanwhile Lions prop Conraad van Vuuren has been handed a four-match suspension following his red card in the BKT United Rugby Championship Round 12 defeat to the Stormers on February 28.

Referee Christopher Allison dismissed the replacement prop in the 68th minute under Law 9.13 for a dangerous tackle.

Judicial Officer Sheriff Kathrine Mackie ruled the offence met the red-card threshold with a mid-range entry point of six weeks.

The sanction was reduced by two weeks due to Van Vuuren’s acceptance of foul play, apology and good conduct.

Completing World Rugby’s Coaching Intervention Programme could reduce the ban by a further week.