Connacht star Mack Hansen has been suspended for three matches as punishment for criticising the quality of officiating by referee Chris Busby in a Vodacom United Rugby Championship loss against Leinster in December.
An Independent Disciplinary Panel upheld a charge of misconduct, citing Hansen’s remarks as a breach of the championship’s disciplinary rules. Connacht Rugby also received a suspended €10,000 fine for failing to manage the situation effectively.
Watch: ‘It’s bulls**t!’ – Hansen blasts URC officials
Australian-born Hansen caved in the face of a potential six-week ban, expressing remorse for his comments, apologising to Busby and agreeing to complete an officiating course, resulting in a suspension of three weeks of his sanction. Similarly, the club fine was suspended as Connacht agreed to conduct a media conduct workshop for players.
Hansen will miss Connacht’s next three matches: Lyon (11 January), Cardiff (17 January), and Glasgow Warriors (24 January).
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