Three-week ban for Elliott Obatoyinbo

Thursday 19 January 2023 Written by: Adam


Obatoyinbo was sent off by the referee, Vivien Praderie (France), in the 40th minute of the match for tackling the Cardiff Rugby wing, Jason Harries, in a dangerous manner in contravention of Law 9.13.

As Obatoyinbo had accepted the charge, an independent Judicial Officer, Pat Barriscale (Ireland), considered the matter on written submissions, and he upheld the red card decision, determining that the offending was at the mid-range of World Rugby’s sanctions and six weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point.

Due to the player’s clear disciplinary record and his guilty plea, it was decided to grant him the full 50% mitigation and the Judicial Officer therefore reduced the sanction by three weeks before imposing a three-week suspension.

Obatoyinbo is free to play on Monday, February 13 however, if he applies for and successfully completes a World Rugby Coaching Intervention, he will be free to play on Monday, February 6. Both he and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.

Newcastle Falcons’ next game is on Saturday when they host Connacht Rugby in the EPCR Challenge Cup.

Click **[HERE][1]** to buy tickets.

Season ticket holders and season parking pass holders are reminded that this game IS included in their 2022-23 packages.

[1]: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/newcastle-falcons/EDP/Event/Index/1774