Springboks protest Botha ban
By AFP, 5 Jul 2009 AFP is a Roar Pro
- Tagged:
- Bakkies Botha, British Lions, IRB, Rugby Union, Springboks
Springboks playing in the third and final Test won 28-9 by the British and Irish Lions on Saturday wore armbands in protest at the suspension of lock Bakkies Botha for an alleged dangerous charge in the second Test.
Botha was banned for two weeks for the second-half charge on Adam Jones in the Pretoria Test last weekend that left the Welsh prop needing corrective surgery to right a dislocated shoulder.
The Springbok and Lions coaching staff, as well as Jones, have insisted that they saw nothing untoward in the second-rower’s charge, arguing he had merely been clearing a ruck.
“As a sign of solidarity the Springbok players decided to wear white arm bands during the Test match,” said Piet Heymans, head of the South African Rugby Players Association (SARPA).
“At the same time the players want to send a clear message that they require the IRB to have an urgent and serious relook at Law 10.4 (j).”
Heymans said Springbok players were concerned at the inconsistency in refereeing the ruck area.
“Over an extended period of time numerous other players have charged into rucks without binding but were either not penalised at all or received only a penalty,” he said.
“Bakkies hit a ruck just before this one in question in a similar style and was not penalised. Coaches are coaching players to hit rucks in this manner and therefore this is a major cause of apprehension.”
Heymans added: “Rugby as a spectacle will lose its excitement and appeal if the best players in the world are not sure how the laws will be applied and that their participation in world class rugby could be affected by the actions of judicial officers.
“We will be consulting with our legal team next week to consider all our legal options available to assist Bakkies Botha and provide him with a sense of justice as he has suffered significantly due to this suspension.”
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- Explore:
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Spencer said | July 5th 2009 @ 11:16am | Report comment
I wonder why the Lions didn’t wear black arm bands to protest the leniency of the Burger gouge suspension.
Brett McKay said | July 5th 2009 @ 11:39am | Report comment
Are the Boks protesting against a certain law, or that Botha got suspended for something he’s been doing for years??
mattamkII said | July 5th 2009 @ 11:39am | Report comment
To be honest – what a bunch of tools, but they do have a point. BB is hard done by IN THIS CASE.
Justin said | July 5th 2009 @ 11:57am | Report comment
Should never have been suspended. Text book clean out. Joke decision.
Virgil said | July 5th 2009 @ 4:59pm | Report comment
Looked pretty lame though. When Matfield stuck the justice tape to his headgear I almost vomited.
Kevin, Meath said | July 5th 2009 @ 6:30pm | Report comment
Thought I it was a bit pathetic, Iranian soccer team wears arm bands because protesters are being shot in the street and ‘rigged’ elections, Bokke? because a player is unfairly given a minor ban for something which is illegal technically but is usually ignored and yes if consistently enforced would see loads of players banned. Botha is not exactly a saint and has got away with things in the past, so swings and roundabouts. Perhaps the armbands were meant to appeal Burgers short ban?
Greg Smith said | July 5th 2009 @ 7:18pm | Report comment
This Drama (including the Schalk Burger ploy) is all for the Tri Nations.
Kiwi’s and Aussies should feel honoured !
Act 1 – Schalk Burger cops a citing (South Africans agree) No problem !
Act 2 – Bakkies Botha cops a citing (South Africans cry – what ?) Then launch a little victimisation rumble.
Act 3 – Tri Nations – Bakkies Botha cops ANOTHER citing (South Africans cry – VICTIMISATION !)
Nicely done… I think, although a bit cheesy with armbands & Victor Matfield looked like a love sick teenager… with his little note – JUSTICE (my love) ha, ha, ha…
Does show what lengths South Africa need to go to… in terms of Tri Nations equity !
Ian Noble said | July 5th 2009 @ 7:49pm | Report comment
I agree with Kevin, Meath completely pathetic, there have been a number of incidences in top class rugby and indeed sport generally where you may disagree with a decision, but you have to take it on the chin. Perhaps a reflection of the the attitude of their coach, sorry so unnecessary and reflects badly on the Boks.
mattamkII said | July 5th 2009 @ 11:02pm | Report comment
Is that Kevin Meath or Kevin FROM Meath? as in Co. Meath, Ireland?
Howi said | July 6th 2009 @ 7:29am | Report comment
Difficult to recall or even imagine any other rugby team wearing armbands because of official rulings. Should the boks carry them in their pockets now during a game – you know, just in case a referee’s decision goes against them.