Benetton Rugby, red cost Matteo Minozzi dearly: long disqualification

Matteo Minozzi forced into long absence due to disqualification

It cost Matteo Minozzi’s red card in the first minutes of last Saturday’s URC match against Edinburgh cost him dearly: in fact, four weeks of disqualification have been inflicted on the green-and-white three-quarterback, who was guilty of striking opposing winger Wes Goosen with his foot after jumping in an uncoordinated manner.

“The referee in charge, Craig Evans (WRU),” the URC explained, “ejected the Benetton Rugby player (No. 11) for an act of foul play relating to Rule 9.12 – A player shall not physically or verbally abuse anyone. Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to, biting, punching, contact with the eye or eye area, hitting with any part of the arm, shoulder, head or knees, stomping or kicking. The incident occurred in the 10th minute of play when the player made contact with No. 11 Wes Goosen. The referee penalized the player and showed him a red card.”

“Official Judge Declan Goodwin (Wales) considered that the act of foul play merited a mid-level sanction of eight weeks,” the league note, which includes franchises from Italy, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and South Africa, further reads. “Taking into account the player’s clean disciplinary record, remorse and acceptance of his actions, the judge allowed a maximum mitigation of 50 percent to reduce the suspension to four weeks.

Matteo Minozzi will be unavailable for the following matches:

Connacht v Benetton Rugby, Dec. 3 (BKT URC)

Stade Francais v Benetton Rugby, Dec. 9 (EPCR Challenge Cup)

Bayonne v Benetton Rugby, Dec. 17 (EPCR Challenge Cup)

Benetton Rugby v Zebre Parma, Dec. 24 (BKT URC)