Attoub gets six weeks for gouging

The Clermont Auvergne prop David Attoub faced a hearing in London on Friday on a charge of alleged grabbing of an opponent's face and alleged gouging during the European Challenge Cup Round 2 First Leg match between The Borders and Clermont Auvergne on Sunday, 5 December.

The Borders had lodged the complaint.

The hearing was before an independent disciplinary committee appointed by Professor Lorne Crerar, the Discipline Panel Chairman for ERC matches, and made up of Jonathan Dance, Chairman (England), Mike Hamlin (England) and Geraint Edwards (Wales).

The independent disciplinary committee found Attoub guilty of an act contrary to good sportsmanship as per Law 10.4 (k):

Acts contrary to good sportsmanship.

A player must not do anything
that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship in the playing enclosure.
Penalty: Penalty Kick

The player who commits an act of dangerous play or misconduct must either be admonished, or cautioned that a send off will result if the offence or a similar offence is committed, or sent-off. After a caution a player is temporarily suspended from the match for a period of ten minutes playing time. After a caution if the player commits the same or similar offence, the player must be sent-off.
Penalty: Penalty Kick

In reaching its decision, the committee found that the player had not acted deliberately, but had been reckless.

The independent committee imposed a ban of six weeks suspension with immediate effect (to expire on 28 January 2005). He received a further 12-months suspension, which was suspended for two years.

In addition the player was fined ¬5 000 (GB£3 430) and ordered to pay the costs of the hearing.

Attoub could not play for Clermont Auvergne against Agen this weekend.