Santiago Socino learns fate for stamping on Craig Burden's head

Jaguares’ Santiago Socino has been banned for three weeks after he pleaded guilty to stamping on the head of Sharks’ Craig Burden in the 80th minute of last Saturday’s match in Durban. 

The Argentine, who moved back home last year following a lengthy spell at Newcastle, has been suspended until April 3 by a SANZAAR foul play review committee of Adam Casselden (chairman), Eroni Clarke and Stefan Terblanche.

In his finding, committee chairman Casselden ruled: “Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Aaron Lloyd, the foul play review committee upheld the citing under law 9.12.

“With respect to sanction, the foul play review committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of six weeks due to the World Rugby instructions that dictate any incident of foul play involving contact with the head must start at a mid-range level. 

“However, taking into account mitigating factors including the player’s clean judicial record and the fact the player has pleaded guilty at the first available opportunity, the foul play review committee reduced the suspension to three weeks.

“The player is therefore suspended for three weeks up to and including Saturday, April 4. This sanction covers the player’s next three scheduled matches and also incorporates the scheduled bye weekend for the Jaguares in round nine.”

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