Forward hit with ban after red card

BATH Rugby forward Mike Williams has been suspended for four weeks following his red card against Wasps on Saturday, writes John Evely.

The Blue, Black and Whites kit manager Steve Middleton has also been banned for one week following comments to the match officials.

Bath opted to contest the charge against Williams at the an independent disciplinary panel hearing on Tuesday night.

Williams was shown a red card by referee Ian Tempest in the 47th minute of the defeat to Wasps for a dangerous clear out at a ruck that left Wasps center Jimmy Gopperth unconscious and requiring oxygen on the field.

After hearing the evidence the red card was upheld and Williams was given a four-week suspension by the independent disciplinary panel comprising Jeremy Summers (chair) with Mitch Read and Tony Wheat.

Explaining the reasons for their findings, the panel’s report said: “After careful consideration, the panel was satisfied that the player had been attempting to lawfully clear out W12, as demonstrated by his actions. He had however committed to a high-risk technique, which he had then executed imperfectly.”

The panel concluded that despite his best efforts he initially made contact with the head of Gopperth so warranted a ban.

The player is free to play again on 7 December 2021.

Middleton accepted the charge and was given a one-match suspension against Leicester Tigers by the same independent disciplinary panel.

This prevents him from attending the game in any capacity other than a spectator.

Middleton also needs to deliver a presentation to the non-playing members of staff at Bath Rugby on the need to uphold standards and the core values of the game by the 2nd December.

The independent disciplinary panel statement for the Middleton hearing: “The kit manager accepted the charge of misconduct brought against him and apologised for his behaviour.

“The panel considered that a period of suspension was required, consistent with other recent decisions and that a strong message needed to be issued to the game.

“There is a growing problem with the conduct of non-playing personnel and disciplinary panels will not hesitate in taking strong action to combat this.”

Mike Williams misses the following matches:

Friday 5 November - Gallagher Premiership Rugby: v Leicester Tigers

Friday 12 November - Premiership Cup: v Gloucester Rugby

Friday 26 November - Gallagher Premiership Rugby: v Exeter Chiefs

Saturday 4 December - Gallagher Premiership Rugby: v Northampton Saints*

* If the Player applies to World Rugby for a Coaching Intervention and completes the intervention to the satisfaction of World Rugby his suspension will be three weeks.