Scotland forwards Ross Ford and Jonny Gray face missing the rest of the World Cup after they were both issued with three-week bans. Hooker Ford and lock Gray were punished by a world rugby after their two-man tip tackle during Saturday's clash with Samoa dumped the Pacific Islanders' flanker Jack Lam on his head.
The pair – both vital members of Vern Cotter’s squad – are now set to miss Sunday’s quarter-final with Australia unless they decide to appeal. They have 48 hours to challenge the ruling or face missing out on the rest of Scotland’s campaign.
A spokesman for the national team said they were “disappointed” by Judicial Officer Christopher Quinlan QC’s decision, adding: “We will consider carefully the full written judgement before making a decision on any future action.”
Both Ford and Gray denied committing an act of foul play but Quinlan ruled otherwise.
World Rugby’s statement on the case said: “Tackles involving a player being lifted off the ground and tipped horizontally and then either forced or dropped to the ground must be dealt with severely by match officials and all those involved in the disciplinary process.
“With respect to the sanction, the Judicial Officer deemed the act of foul play merited a low-end entry point, namely four weeks. The Judicial Officer added one week for aggravation due to the need to deter this type of dangerous foul play.
“However, taking into account mitigating factors including the players’ conduct prior to and at the hearing, their expressions of regret, exemplary characters and excellent disciplinary records, the Judicial Officer reduced the suspension to a period of three weeks in respect of each player.”
