Impala Saracens playmaker Sammy Oliech is set to serve a-four week ban following a red card in their match against MMUST Rugby Club.
The Referee’s report confirms that Oliech was sent off at around the 75th minute after his shoulder made contact with a tackled player’s head. The MMUST player was stretched off and could not continue with the match.
In making their decision, the judicial Panel quoted Law 9.13 which states “A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously. Dangerous tackling includes, but is not limited to, tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent above the line of the shoulders even if the tackle starts below the line of the shoulders.”
The panel then handed the Kenya 7s star a four-week ban.
“The Judicial Officer categorized the act as a mid-range offence on the scale of seriousness and having considered aggravating and mitigating circumstances imposed upon the player a four (4) week suspension,” reads a decision by the panel.
“In accordance with the R.17.19.10 and in line with the player’s schedule, he will serve suspension from 01 March 2022.” it concludes.
With Impala not heading to the Kenya Cup knock out stages, his sanction is set to commence during the Enterprise Cup. Further sanctions would depend on the progress of his team.
If he is due for call-up to the Kenya 7s, any outstanding sanction would be served as per rules
governing change of code from 15s to 7s. The end date of any sanctions will be determined by KRU.
