Georgia captain Merab Sharikadze has been handed a six-match suspension for head-butting an opponent.
The 29-year-old was instrumental in taking Wales apart during the autumn series, but has gone from hero to zero of late. The incident occurred in a match between Black Lion (Georgia) and Tel Aviv Heat (Israel) which was a second successive Super Cup victory for Sharikadze's Black Lion.
After the referee blew his whistle, the game stopped and players started taking shape ready for the next passage of play. Tel Aviv's Jordan Chait appeared to say something that provoked Sharikadze. The Georgia 10 marched over with his arms held aloft in frustration, and put his head to Chait.
READ MORE: Who is your Wales men's rugby player of 2022?
You can watch the incident below:
There was no TMO available in the game, so he got away with his actions and Black Lion went on to win the game 29-17.
Following a citing, a panel decided to give the 80-cap Georgia man a six-match suspension. He was actually going to receive 10 weeks in total, but a clean disciplinary record coupled with being provoked was enough for the panel to settle on a decreased sentence.
“The action of the player is not in any way acceptable in rugby, not in general nor as a reaction to an unpleasant remark or insult. Although the player is not apologetic for doing it, he is apologetic for what happened. The panel is convinced that the example he is for others and especially younger players will prevent the same behaviour in the future,” said the panel.
Read next:
- Ospreys v Scarlets team news as Jonathan Davies returns as captain and Alun Wyn Jones named on bench
Eddie Butler's son reveals family's loss, pride and the new grandson he never got to meet
Rob Howley and double Grand Slam winner both in frame to join Warren Gatland's Wales coaching team
New Welsh-qualified prop being mentored by Adam Jones a year after working on building site
