The man who tackled rugby referee David McHugh during a Tri-Nations test between South Africa and New Zealand earlier this year has been sentenced to a fine of R10 000 or 30 days imprisonment.
Pieter van Zyl (43) appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Monday for sentencing after he pleaded guilty on September 9 to a charge of common assault. His legal representative Bertie Grobbelaar said his client had already paid the fine.
After being sentenced, Van Zyl said he would pay the fine with a smile if it would lead to positive changes in refereeing in the country.
Grobbelaar said his client still planned to contest the alleged life-long ban imposed on him by Sarfu according to which Van Zyl was not allowed to attend rugby matches at any large stadia in the country, even if ”a court had to decide on it”.
He said Sarfu had made certain suggestions regarding Van Zyl’s future attendance for rugby matches but these were not acceptable to them. He would not disclose the nature of the suggestions, saying he had an agreement with Sarfu to keep it secret. Van Zyl ran onto the field at King’s Park Stadium in August and tackled Irish referee David McHugh, when he did not agree with a decision McHugh had made. Van Zyl dislocated McHugh’s shoulder in the attack. – Sapa