Cooper suspended for three weeks

A SANZAAR Judicial Committee Hearing found that Cooper contravened Law 10.4(e) Dangerous tackling of an Opponent, after he was red carded during the match.

Cooper has been suspended for three weeks, up to and including Saturday, April 8.

The incident occurred in the 47th minute of the match at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

The SANZAAR Judicial Committee Hearing held via video conference on March 21 was before Terry Willis (Chairman), De Wet Barry and David Croft.

The SANZAAR Judicial Committee found: "Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Mark Martin, the Judicial Committee accepted the guilty plea of the Player under Law 10.4(e) Dangerous tackling of an Opponent. 

"With respect to sanction the Judicial Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid range entry point of six weeks. However, taking into account mitigating factors including the player's admission of guilt, his remorse and the fact that the Player had a good disciplinary record having not come under notice since 2012, the Judicial Committee reduced the suspension to three weeks."

"The player is therefore suspended for three weeks, up to and including Saturday, April 8."