EPCR appeals decision to overturn Bristol player's red card for stomping on opponent's face

Bristol’s defeat against Connacht (27-10) in the Champions Cup group stage almost went unnoticed. During the match, Bristol Bears second row Josh Caulfield received a red card after violently stomping on the face of Irishman Finlay Bealham. The video of the action then made the rounds on social networks. “How can they say it’s foul play that’s not worth a red card? If it’s not unfair but accidental, then just let it play. […] Otherwise it must be a red card. Fortunately I retired!”, even declared former international referee Nigel Owens.

But on January 23, an independent commission finally decided to cancel the red card to everyone’s astonishment. This Monday by press release, the EPCR announced that it would appeal this decision to cancel the red card. The EPCR will rule this Tuesday, January 30 through a new independent Appeals Commission.