A Rugby Football Union disciplinary hearing has today(Wednesday) dismissed the citing brought against Warriors skipper Pat Sanderson.
Sanderson and James Haskell of London Wasps had been charged with illegally making contact with the eyes and eye areas of each other during the Guinness Premiership match at Sixways on September 22 under law 10.4 (k).
However, the panel warned the players to take care in future and His Honour Judge Jeff Blackett, the RFU Disciplinary Officer, underlined how seriously the authorities regard foul play involving intentional contact with the face.
He said: “Contact with the eyes is not only insidious, but it is also potentially very dangerous and can cause serious and lasting damage to the victim.
“There is a risk that intentional contact with someone’s face could cause injury to the eyes and the practice of rubbing an opponent’s face to ‘rough him up’ is discouraged – it offends against Law 10.4(k)* but in this case neither incident was sufficiently serious to merit a red card.
“However, had either player made contact with the other’s eyes and thereby caused injury, he would have faced a significant period of suspension even if the contact had been reckless rather than intentional.”
The panel hearing the case at the offices of the Judge Advocate General in Chancery Lane consisted of HHJ Jeff Blackett (chairman), Jeremy Summers and Julian Morris.
Wariors Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock said: “I’m pleased that Pat Sanderson’s innocence was proven and we respect fully the RFU process and believe that all potential incidents of foul play should be investigated fully.
“Pat’s conduct and character is exemplary and this has shown to be the case yet again.”