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Canadian flanker Michael Smith has been suspended for two games after receiving a red card in the first half of the test against Belgium on Saturday. Smith was sent off by referee Andrea Piardi after TMO Stefano Penne spotted what was deemed a dangerous clearout at a ruck by the No7 on Belgian lock Guillaume Mortier.
An independent judicial committee accepted that a red card was appropriate for the foul play, and applied a mid-range entry point sanctioning of six weeks. Smith’s otherwise clean disciplinary record, admission of guilt, and professional conduct at the hearing saw the sanction reduced by 50%.
The suspension has also been reduced by one further week due to Smith’s participation in World Rugby’s Head Contact Process Coaching Intervention Program.
As a result Smith will miss the first two weeks of the 2022 Major League Rugby season. Specifically the San Diego Legion’s games against the Utah Warriors on February 6 and the Dallas Jackals on February 12. He will be free to play against the Seattle Seawolves on February 20.
The committee was chaired by Marcello d’Orey (Portugal), with other members Olly Kohn (Wales) and Mike Ross (Ireland). All are former international players.
Here is the red card to Canada #7 Michael Smith. Shoulder to the head of Belgium #4 Guillaume Mortier. pic.twitter.com/5L2faLJqum
— Bryan Ray (@raysrugby) November 13, 2021
