Montpellier lock Jacques du Plessis has been handed a five-week suspension for striking compatriot Gerbrandt Grobler with his elbow around the neck area.
In the 56th minute of the Champions Cup clash between Montpellier and Gloucester this past weekend, Du Plessis inexplicably struck Grobler in the head and was given a red card.
Jacques du Plessis was having a great game for Montpellier before he did this.
Carries
Tackles
Turnover
Red Card #SaffasAbroad pic.twitter.com/BQ4nUDlef5— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) November 25, 2019
The former Vodacom Bulls lock was charged with the contravention of Law 9.12 (striking an opponent) and subsequently found guilty by an independent disciplinary committee, who handed down a minimum mandatory mid-range’ six-week sanction.
A further one week was added to the sanction due to Du Plessis’ prior disciplinary record, but because of his guilty plea and immediate expression of remorse, his suspension was reduced by two weeks resulting in a five-week ban.
Du Plessis is free to play again on Monday, 30 December.
