Former Springbok prop Brian Mujati could face a lenthy ban after shoving referee Nigel Owens in the back in Friday’s Heineken Cup match between his side Northampton Saints and Perpignan.
Mujati, who came on as a replacement for Saints could face a six months to a life ban, after he was cited for physical contact with a match official in contravention of Law 10.4 (l)l.
Mujati is one of two of Northampton Saints’ South African players who have been cited. Juandre Kruger will appear at an independent disciplinary hearing for alleged stamping on Perpignan scrumhalf Nicolas Durand in contravention of Law 10.4 (b).
The citings were lodged by the citing commissioner for the match, Murray Whyte (Ireland).
The Saints were reportedly stunned by Monday’s citing, saying that no complaint had been made after the match. They were reviewing the tape of the game to see what the tighthead prop had been accused of.
Mujati, who has 12 caps for the Springboks, joined Northampton in the off-season from the Stormers. Under IRB regulations he faces a minimum 24-week suspension if he is found guilty with a life ban the maximum punishment available for the disciplinary committee.
Neil Back received a six-month ban for shoving referee Steve Lander in 1996. Springbok fullback Percy Montgomery was banned for two years, 18 months of which were suspended, for pushing a touch judge to the ground while playing for Newport at Swansea in 2003. — Sapa