Fourie cleared for Cup semifinal

12 October 2010 - 10:31 By Sapa
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Western Province hooker Deon Fourie is not guilty of foul play, an SA Rugby Union (Saru) judicial hearing found on Monday.

Fourie was cited for an act contrary to good sportsmanship during Saturday’s Currie Cup Premier Division game against the Sharks.

Western Province defeated the Sharks 33-21.

Fourie was cited after his right hand allegedly made contact with Sharks’ hooker Bismarck du Plessis’ face in the 61st minute of the game.

Saru said its judicial officer Rob Stelzner noted that, in footage of the incident, Du Plessis’ nose appeared to be visible and above Fourie’s hand.

He also pointed out that Du Plessis did not complain of eye-gouging or eye-contact immediately after the incident, and that the alleged incident occurred in front of assistant referee Marc van Zyl, who did not observe any contact with Du Plessis’ eyes.

In reaching his decision not to uphold the citing, Stelzner considered evidence from Fourie, submissions by his representative and video recordings, Saru said.

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