Saracens' Brad Barritt suspended but Richard Barrington cleared

Rugby News

by Rugby Rucker

Wednesday, 11 January 2017 at 02:21

Barritt showed his sportsmanship with a heartfelt apology on Twitter

byRugby Rucker

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Saracens captain Brad Barritt has been banned for three weeks after admitting to a dangerous tackle
Richard Barrington was sent off for his part in the incident but was cleared of dangerous charging
Tuesday's hearing judged Geoff Parling was already unconscious from Barritt's initial tackle

Saracens captain Brad Barritt has been handed a three-week ban after admitting to a dangerous tackle on Exeter lock Geoff Parling on Saturday.

Barritt and team-mate Richard Barrington were both cited following their double tackle on Parling during Saracens' 13-13 draw with Exeter at Allianz Park last Saturday.

Barrington, who was sent off for his part in the incident, was cleared of dangerous charging by a Rugby Football Union disciplinary panel.

The 27-year-old is now free to play again immediately, while Barritt is suspended until 31 January.

An RFU statement said Barritt's ban was in line with new high-tackle laws.

The 30-year-old had initially tackled Parling high and Barrington followed up with a shoulder into the head of the 33-year-old England international, who was carried off on a stretcher.

Under the new interpretation of the high-tackle rules, which came into effect on 3 January, Barrington was sent off by referee Ian Tempest.

Barritt showed his sportsmanship with a heartfelt apology on Twitter[/caption]

However, the panel at Tuesday's hearing in London judged Parling was already unconscious from Barritt's tackle and fell into the contact with Barrington.

"The incident arose out of the specific dynamic of Mr Parling falling unconscious into what would have otherwise been a legitimate contact by Mr Barrington," the RFU statement added.

"In line with the new sanctions a mid-range entry of six weeks was imposed on Mr Barritt reduced to three weeks in light of mitigation including his guilty plea."

The Saracens' skipper will be unavailable for their Champions Cup games at Scarlets on Sunday and at home to Toulon on 21 January.

He is also banned for the Anglo-Welsh Cup visit to Scarlets on 27 January, although Sarries tend to rest a number of first-team players to give some of their younger players an opportunity to play first team rugby.

Sarries also continue to be without England internationals Billy and Mako Vunipola, who will miss the Six Nations through injury.