Stormers flank Schalk Burger has received a two-week suspension after being found guilty of ”unsportsmanlike behaviour”.
Burger’s suspension runs from February 23 to March 8, inclusive. He has a right to appeal the sentence.
This effectively means the Stormers’ Springbok flank will miss the match against the high-riding Crusaders on Friday night and also the Stormers’ first match on their Australasian tour against the Reds in Brisbane the following weekend.
His suspension is a big setback for the Stormers, who are yet to win a match in this year’s Super 14 competition and will have their work cut out against the Crusaders, who beat the Bulls 54-17 on Friday night.
Burger, who was found guilty of the charge after being cited by citing commissioner Corrie Strydom, was yellow-carded by referee Kelvin Deaker for becoming involved in fracas between other players. Burger made gestures towards referee’s assistant Willie Roos as he walked off the field, implying that the official couldn’t see properly.
The Sanzar (South Africa, New Zealand and Australian Rugby) judicial committee, chaired by Jannie Lubbe, found Burger had acted in a manner contrary to good sportsmanship. — Sapa