South African fullback Percy Montgomery was suspended for two years — 18 months of it suspended — and fined ₤15 000 ($24 000) on Tuesday after he was found guilty of pushing a match official during a game for Newport.
Montgomery was sent off in a Welsh Premiership match against Swansea at St Helens on May 13 after he pushed a touch judge. The South African had a personal hearing before the Welsh Rugby Union disciplinary committee in Cardiff. He was dismissed by referee Nigel Owens under laws governing acts contrary to good sportsmanship.
Following the personal hearing the committee imposed a two-year ban, six months to be served immediately and the remaining 18 months suspended for two years. If the ban is spread worldwide by the International Rugby Board, he won’t be able to play in the World Cup in Australia in October and November.
Montgomery has the right of a review of the sentence but the rules state that must be accompanied by new evidence. Under International Rugby Board rules Montgomery could have been banned for life. – Sapa-AP