Lions 2009 - Boks protest Botha ban

Eurosport - Sat, 04 Jul 16:04:00 2009

South Africa's players wore white armbands in the third and final Test against the British and Irish Lions in protest at lock Bakkies Botha's two-match ban.

RUGBY 2009 Lions' Matthew Rees tries to go through South Africa's Brussow and Smith during third Test in Johannesburg - 0

Botha was suspended by the IRB for a dangerous charge on Lions prop Adam Jones in the second Test that left the Welshman with a dislocated shoulder.

"As a sign of solidarity the Springbok players have decided to wear white armbands," said South African Rugby Players' Association chief executive Piet Heymans in a statement issued before Saturday's game.

"We will be consulting our legal team next week to consider all options available to assist Bakkies Botha and provide him with a sense of justice as he has suffered significantly due to this suspension," added Heymans.

"Bakkies hit a ruck just before this one in question in a similar style and was not penalised. This inconsistency has upset the players and they felt very strongly they must... show their unhappiness with the application of the relevant law."

Reuters

Comment 1 - 7 of 27

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  1. Botha was lucky to only get the small ban he got, so­ why moan about it? Burger is always getting cards and­ is a dirty player who cant control his play, so he got­ off really light. why do South Africans always think­ they are being victimised they are far worse than the­ Aussies...

    From ALAN, on Sat 4 Jul 8:08PM

  2. Didnt hear them complain about Berger only getting an 8­ week ban when he should have got at least 12 - Hartley­ got 18 weeks(i think) in the GP - wheres the justice­ now?

    From D R, on Sat 4 Jul 6:50PM

  3. Bokke, I think the arms bands went to your head. Let­ the lawyers look after the laws of the game, you­ concentrate on the rugby.

    From Kevin, on Sat 4 Jul 5:04PM

  4. It's not fair it was a normal charge but didn't­ mine to injury Adam Jones.

    From Tshireletso, on Sat 4 Jul 4:55PM

  5. Agreed. He's going to miss, what, one match? Why­ can't they just do as everyone else does and accept­ it? Fair enough, it was a bit harsh but you didn't­ see the Tigers (as an example) coming out wearing­ armbands as if one of their players was being held in a­ concentration camp.

    From Alex, on Sat 4 Jul 4:51PM

  6. cheats!

    From Nicholas, on Sat 4 Jul 4:51PM

  7. Grow up

    From Phil, on Sat 4 Jul 4:35PM
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