Stormers lock cited for allegedly biting a Munster player | Sport

Jean Kleyn of Munster wins a lineout against Adre Smith of the Stormers. (Photo By Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Stormers lock Adre Smith has been cited after alleged foul play during his side’s 34-18 United Rugby Championship defeat to Irish side Munster at Thomond Park last weekend.

According to the Irish Times, an alleged biting incident on Munster hooker Scannell occurred in the 45th minute of the match. It was in the build-up to a try scored by Munster lock Jean Kleyn.

Video footage showed Scannell and Smith tussling on the ground before the Munster player complained to the officials that he had been bitten.

Referee Andrew Brace asked for replays of the incident from his television match official Brian MacNeice but replays showed no conclusive evidence.

The referee then told Munster captain Peter O’Mahony “if there’s anything clear the citing officer will deal with it”.

The citing commissioner for the match, Helen O’Reilly, has now opted to take the matter further and a disciplinary committee will meet on Thursday to decide Smith’s fate.

A URC statement read: “The player has been cited under Law 9.12 – A player must not physically or verbally abuse anyone. Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to, biting, punching, contact with the eye or eye area, striking with any part of the arm (including stiff-arm tackles), shoulder, head or knee(s), stamping, trampling, tripping or kicking.

“The player will face a disciplinary panel via video conference, the panel will comprise of Sheriff Kathrine Mackie (Chair), Iain Leslie (both Scotland) and Janet Gedrych (Wales).”

If found guilty, Smith could face a minimum of 12 weeks on the sidelines, not taking into account mitigating factors, with the medium entry point at 18 weeks and high entry point set at 24 weeks.