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Coach ready to take the punch

Cape Town - The assistant rugby coach of EG Jansen High School's First XV, Schalk Snyman, who bumped into a referee with his shoulder after an altercation, says he's ready to take punishment for his actions.

VIDEO: Coach attacks ref


Snyman and head coach Reghardt Botha were involved in an altercation with referee Mlungiseleli Mdashe after a match between EG Jansen and Kempton Park on Saturday.

Botha and Snyman were upset over a decision Mdashe made during the match, which EG Jansen lost.

Snyman was then caught on video bumping into Mdashe with his shoulder. He apparently also swore at Mdashe.

SARU’s referees boss André Watson said Mdashe was “100%” correct with his decision.

The school temporarily suspended both coaches earlier this week, pending a disciplinary hearing from the Falcons Rugby Union.

Beeld reports that Snyman pleaded guilty for his actions at the disciplinary hearing held by the Falcons on Wednesday night. Botha, however, was found not guilty on charges of verbally humiliating Mdashe and can return to his coaching position after the school lifted his suspension.

Snyman will now plead for mitigation on Monday, hoping not to be banned for life.

Jurie Coetzee, a head official at the Falcons, said the punishment for attacking a referee is a suspension of anything between 24 and 96 weeks, but in severe cases a person could also be banned for life from all forms of the game.

Snyman has since apologised for his actions.

"There's no excuse for what I've done, it was wrong. I have to take my punishment.

"I know I'm a role model for many young people and I apologise.

"But one doesn't punish someone who steals bread with a life prison sentence."

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