Maro Itoje: Saracens star available for Premiership run-in after escaping suspension for dangerous tackle
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Published 01/05/2024 at 12:57 GMT
Saracens lock Maro Itoje has avoided a ban for a tackle on Bath’s Alfie Barbeary that saw him given a yellow card. A panel has ruled that Itoje is free to play with immediate effect, which means he will be available for Saturday's clash with Bristol, live on TNT Sports and discovery+, and the final game of the regular season against Sale on May 18.
Maro Itoje of Saracens
Image credit: Getty Images
Maro Itoje will be free to play in Saracens’ Gallagher Premiership run-in after having his citing for a dangerous tackle dismissed.
The England international was cited for a tackle on Bath’s Alfie Barbeary that saw him given a yellow card.
Itoje could have been in danger of a ban if an independent disciplinary panel had ruled that there had been direct head-on-head contact.
However, the lock has been cleared and will be free to play "with immediate effect".
The verdict is a boost for Saracens as they look to secure their spot in the Premiership semi-finals.
They are currently second in the table ahead of their final two regular season matches against Bristol (May 11, live on TNT Sports and discovery+) and Sale (May 18).
The final fortnight is set to be hotly contested with just 10 points separating leaders Northampton Saints from Exeter Chiefs in seventh place.
Second-placed Saracens are four points behind Saints.
Regarding Itoje’s ruling, panel chair Philip Evans KC said: "The panel heard and considered evidence from Maro Itoje and the Bath player and were able to examine the footage of the incident many times and from many different angles.
“In particular, the panel watched the footage from the rear view of Itoje which, when considered alongside the rest of the footage, demonstrated it was more likely than not that contact was not initially with the head or simultaneously with the head and the body. Instead, contact with the head appears to come later and can properly be described as more glancing than direct in nature.
"In all of the circumstances, the panel did not conclude that a high degree of danger was created and therefore the on-field decision stands. The player is free to play with immediate effect."
Friday night sees a live double header on TNT Sports as Newcastle Falcons face Bath and Sale take on Leicester (both 7.45pm).
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