Leopards duo found guilty

Johannesburg - Leopards fullback Jean Tiedt and loose forward RW Kember have been suspended for one week after being found guilty of foul play during last Friday's Currie Cup match against Western Province in Potchefstroom.

The players appeared before separate SARU judicial hearings in Johannesburg which were chaired by Rob Stelzner.

Tiedt was cited for a dangerous tackle on WP centre Tim Whitehead in the 52nd minute of the match during his side's 42-23 defeat to WP. He was cited for lifting a player from the ground and dropping or driving that player into the ground.

The Leopards fullback pleaded not guilty. His defence argued that Tiedt was unable to assist or guide Whitehead down onto the ground after having lifted him, because if he had continued to hold onto him after turning him around, he would have fallen on top of the WP centre and would probably have hurt him in the process.

The defence also argued that the tip was unintended and unavoidable.

Kember was cited for a dangerous tackle on WP hooker Deon Fourie in the 62nd minute of the game. He was cited for dangerously tackling above the shoulder line and around the neck.

The Leopards loose forward pleaded not guilty. His defence argued that the tackle around the neck was unintended.

It was a freak accident as a result of a high speed split second legitimate attempt at saving a try.

Both players have the right to appeal.