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Vickery suspended for two matches
(Rugby News Service) Tuesday 11 September 2007
PARIS, 11 September - Following a RWC 2007 judicial hearing the Judicial Officer (JO) Professor Lorne Crerar upheld the citing complaint and confirmed that England prop Phil Vickery breached Law 10.4(d) (tripping an opponent with the foot/leg) during the England v USA match on Saturday, 8 September in Lens.
The JO deemed the trip was a deliberate act and was delivered with some force, causing the opposing player to be knocked over. The opposing player had no opportunity to take remedial action.
The JO determined the offence to be at the mid range of seriousness. There were no aggravating circumstances and the JO took into account several mitigating circumstances including the immediate admission of culpability, the player’s good character and his conduct during the hearing.
The entry point for a mid range offence is four weeks. In light of the mitigating factors the JO imposed a sanction of two matches.
The player has 48 hours in which to appeal the decision.