Judicial system raises questions
COETZEE’S KICK DEEMED ENTIRELY ACCIDENTAL Ellis Park looks into case of alleged racial abuse.
Renewed questions about the judicial system in sanctioning players could be flying after Lions hooker Robbie Coetzee got off scot-free following last weekend’s Currie Cup action.
Coetzee’s red card in the 51st minute of the Lions 47-31 defeat by the Sharks at Ellis Park played a key role in the Lions, leading the Sharks 31-5 at the time of the sending off, losing their grip on the game.
The finding of the committee stated that while Coetzee’s boot made contact with Sharks flanker Jacques Vermeulen’s face as he was crossing the line for the second Sharks try, his actions were deemed as “entirely accidental” with no intention of kicking or hurting his opponent.
Coetzee and centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg will therefore be allowed to play in the team’s Currie Cup clash against Western Province on Friday following disciplinary hearings on Monday.
Janse van Rensburg’s citing, also for a dangerous tackle, was not upheld.
Meanwhile, Ellis Park Stadium (Pty) Ltd has been made aware of a possible case of racial abuse that happened after the Currie Cup match between the Golden Lions and the Sharks at Ellis Park on Saturday.
The Lions said yesterday the incident in question was never reported according to the Lions’ Venue Operations Centre (VOC) records and logbook – as per their standard procedures.
But video footage is being studied at the moment to get to the bottom of the unfortunate incident.
All incidents must be reported to the VOC or nearest event security staff.
“Ellis Park Stadium will at all times ensure the safety of all its visitors,” the report said.
“The emergency telephone numbers and SMS line are frequently displayed on the big screens in the stadium for spectators to report such unacceptable behaviour.
“The Lions Rugby Company and Ellis Park Stadium (Pty) Ltd has a no-tolerance attitude toward all aspects of hatred of which racism is one of the biggest.”