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Schalk Burger hit with 1-week ban

Cape Town - Saracens loose forward Schalk Burger has been suspended for one week after being found guilty of foul play.

According to the Planet Rugby website, the verdict was dished out to Burger following an independent disciplinary hearing in London.

The former Springbok flank was cited for dangerously entering a ruck and making contact with Northampton Saints flank, David Ribbans, in the 48th minute of last Saturday's Champions Cup match at Allianz Park in London.

He was found guilty in contravention of Law 9.20: Dangerous play in a ruck or maul

Under World Rugby's Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.20 carries the following sanction entry points - Low End: two weeks; Mid-range: four weeks; Top end: eight to 52 weeks.

The statement read: "An independent Disciplinary Committee consisting of Pamela Woodman (Scotland), Chair, Antony Davies (England) and Graham Quinn (Ireland), heard evidence and submissions from Burger, who pleaded guilty to the offence, from the player's legal representative, Sam Jones, from the Saracens Director of Rugby, Mark McCall, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan.

"The Committee upheld the citing complaint as it determined that Burger's act of foul play warranted a red card. It found that the offence was at the low end of World Rugby's sanctions and two weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point.

"Due to the player's guilty plea and good recent disciplinary record, and as there were no aggravating factors, the Committee decided to reduce the sanction by the maximum of 50 per cent before imposing a suspension of one week.

"As Burger is not available for selection for Saracens' Anglo-Welsh Cup, Round 3 match this weekend, his period of suspension will take in the club's Anglo-Welsh Cup, Round 4 fixture against the Exeter Chiefs."
 
Burger, who played 86 Tests for the Springboks between 2003 and 2015, is free to play from Monday, February 5.

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