Clermont's Bardy gets five-week ban for Vunipola strike
Dublin (AFP) - Clermont Auvergne back-row Julien Bardy was banned for five weeks on Thursday after being found guilty of striking Saracens' No 8 Billy Vunipola with his knee in a European Rugby Champions Cup match.
Bardy was cited for an incident that took place two minutes from time in French side Clermont's 30-23 opening Pool One loss at English giants Saracens' Allianz Park ground in north London.
The 29-year-old Bardy, who pleaed guilty, appeared before a European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) disciplinary panel in Dublin on Thursday.
Independent judicial officer Simon Thomas (Wales) upheld the citing complaint.
He decided Portugal international Bardy's offence would have warranted a red card if seen by the match referee and that it was in the mid-range (eight weeks) of International Rugby Board sanctions for offences of this nature.
As there were no aggravating factors, Thomas reduced the suspension by three weeks due to the player's guilty plea, his clean record, and good conduct and remorse during the hearing.
The five-week suspension will run over a seven-week term as Thomas chose to take into account two weeks during the period when the player would not have played.
Bardy is free to play again on Monday, December 8.
Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.
