Ebbw Vale second-row Curtis Gregory will not play for the Steelmen this weekend, as the lock currently appeals a ban following his stamp against Llandovery last week.
Gregory was shown a straight red card by referee Craig Evans for stamping on the leg of Drovers captain Joe Powell. While a significant ban was expected, the Welsh Rugby Union had not announced any disciplinary action before Ebbw Vale named their team for Saturday's Super Rygbi Cymru match against Cardiff at the Arms Park.
Disciplinary process and appeal
At the lower level, disciplinary hearings can sometimes take place more than a week after the initial incident, meaning some players could be free to play in matches before a ban is handed out. However, Gregory will not play, as it is understood he appeared before a disciplinary panel this week.
It is not yet clear how long Gregory has been banned for, but because he is currently appealing the ban, he is unable to play. As a result, Saturday's top-of-the-table clash in the Welsh capital will count towards whatever ban Gregory is eventually handed.
Incident and reaction
Footage of the incident has spread widely, showing Gregory stamping on Powell's outstretched leg while the Llandovery player was on the floor. Fortunately, Powell escaped without injury.
Referee Craig Evans stopped play immediately in the 35th minute, saying: "We have a stamp by this player. I did ask the question if anything aggravated it. My AR (assistant referee) didn't see anything. It's a stamp on the leg. Red card. Permanent."
The game was shown live by S4C, and replays of the incident drew groans from Welsh language commentators. Online discourse has seen some call for a severe punishment, although that should be weighed against the fact that footage of the incident has perhaps travelled further than anyone could have imagined.
