the essential
20 years of suspension: this is the sanction adopted by the French Rugby League Federation against a Saint-Gaudens player who punched the referee at the end of a match.
What happened in the head of young K., 17 years old, rugby league player for the Saint-Gaudens Racing club? Why did he suddenly throw himself at the linesman, why this punch?
After all, it doesn't matter, the gesture is inexcusable. As much aggression on the field and in the game is recommended; as much as it is reprehensible outside of it.
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The match had just ended, at the Jules-Ribet stadium in Saint-Gaudens, the U19 (juniors) of Limoux won 28-4. Learning is still a little difficult for the “Oursons” – that’s the nickname of the Saint-Gaudens juniors – but they put all their heart into it. At the final whistle we congratulate each other, we encourage each other, we shake hands, we return to the locker room arm in arm… Then it's the punch, the swollen cheek for the referee and the movement down of combat in the small world of rugby union.
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Obviously informed, the disciplinary committee of the federation heavily sanctioned the player. For this type of event, the regulations provide for a wide range of punishments: from a 4-month suspension to a lifetime ban. The commission decided to suspend K for a period of 20 years.
“Constant targets of aggression”
A decision which clearly marks the support of the thirteenth authorities for the victim and more broadly for their referees. Because for them, it was the straw that broke the camel's back and they mobilized to support their colleague. They too are “passionate”, they too do “everything to bring life and progress [leur] sport”, they work hard and, more and more, strive to make as few mistakes as possible. They even accept that they are “mistaken sometimes” since they are only human, they indicate in a press release.
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“Whatever the match, whatever the championship or category, the refereeing body is the constant target of multiple attacks” notes the delegation of French referees. “Supporters, players or managers sometimes forget the values of our sport. In a sport which promotes indestructible values such as mutual aid, cohesion and respect, it is high time to change a situation that has become unacceptable.” They just ask for a little respect.
Obviously, the disciplinary committee shares the referees' findings.
