Monday, July 6, 2009

Boks charged over armband protest

South Africa captain John Smit sported the armband
Bok captain John Smit said the players were showing solidarity with Botha

South Africa have been charged with misconduct after the Springboks wore armbands in the final Test against the Lions backing the banned Bakkies Botha.

The South Africa second row was suspended for two weeks for dangerous charging at a ruck in the second Test.

The armbands had "Justice 4" - four is also the player's number - on them.

The International Rugby Board (IRB) said in a statement that wearing the armbands "demonstrates a clear disregard of the disciplinary process".

The IRB added the action could bring, "or has the potential to bring, the game into disrepute".

The IRB has charged the South Africa Rugby Union (Saru) with "misconduct in breach of the IRB regulations relating to the game, including breaches of the IRB Code of Conduct."

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After Botha was suspended South Africa failed in their appeal against the ban, leading to the players making their protest in Johannesburg on Saturday.

South Africa captain John Smit said after the Test, which the British and Irish Lions won 29-8 to avoid a series whitewash, that the players were "standing in solidarity with Bakkies".

Lions prop Adam Jones dislocated his shoulder in the incident which saw Botha banned but the tourists said they did not believe the 6ft 8in second row should have been cited.

"Adam Jones did not have an issue with the clean-out and neither did the Lions management," said assistant coach Warren Gatland last week.

The IRB has notified Saru that it intends to begin disciplinary proceedings and the matter will now be referred to the independent judicial panel chairman, who will appoint a judicial officer or committee to hear the charge.

No date has yet been given for any hearing.

ะพ 8:11 AM

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