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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Michael Scully

Six Nations disciplinary panel overturn Freddie Steward's red card against Ireland

A Six Nations disciplinary panel has ruled that England's Freddie Steward should not have been sent off against Ireland in Saturday's clash.

The full back was red carded just before half-time at the Aviva Stadium by referee Jacob Peyper after he crashed into Hugo Keenan.

The Leinster player, who was one of Ireland's players of the championship, was caught high by Steward's elbow as the players collided and Keenan didn't return after failing a HIA.

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Steward was dismissed and England had to play with 14 men until the 76th minute, when they were reduced to 13 due to Jack Willis' yellow card.

Ireland won 29-16 to win the Grand Slam for the fourth time.

After reviewing the incident with the TMO, Peyper insisted there was no mitigation for Steward's action as he failed to wrap his arms and it was deemed he had committed a dangerous tackle under law 9.13.

Steward appeared before the independent disciplinary committee via video link and submissions were made by the player and his representative as all the angles of the incident were considered.

After hearing the submissions, the disciplinary committee formally amended the Law which was breached to law 9.11 - that players must not do anything that is reckless or dangerous to others including leading with the elbow or forearm, or jumping into, or over, a tackler.

In his evidence, Steward denied that he had committed an act of foul play worthy of a red card as described by the law.

The committee decided that head contact with an opposing player had occurred and there had been an act of foul play in breach of law 9.11 - that Stewars had been reckless in his actions and in his upright positioning as he approached and came into highly dangerous contact with Keenan.

However, the three man panel also ruled that there were mitigating factors, including the late change in the dynamics and positioning of Keenan, which should have resulted in Steward being shown the yellow card.

The red card was rescinded and Steward is therefore free to play again immediately.

A Six Nations statement concluded: "The committee acknowledged that match officials are required to make decisions under pressure and in the heat of a live match environment."

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