Cheetahs lock Justin Basson has been handed a three-week ban for foul play during their win over Zebre last Saturday.

The incident occurred in the 72nd minute when Basson charged into a ruck and made contact with Zebre wing Paula Balekana. Referee Ben Whitehouse deemed the player to have committed an act of foul play and gave him a straight red card.

On Wednesday, Basson was found guilty under Law 9.20: A player must not charge into a ruck or maul. Charging includes any contact made without binding on to another player in the ruck or maul, b) A player must not make contact with an opponent above the line of the shoulders.

He was given a six-week ban, reduced to three weeks due to mitigating circumstances, including his acceptance of the red card, his previously clean record and his good behaviour throughout the hearing.

Basson will now miss the Cheetahs’ matches against the Kings, Connacht and the Scarlets in February.

Photo: Johan Pretorius/Gallo Images