Delon Armitage’s appeal for playing for England denied
Delon Armitage’s probability of joining in this year’s Six Nation’s venture for England as a fullback was high, but it all ended yesterday when his appeal was rejected. He lost his appeal against a two month ban for maltreating an official conducting anti
dope tests.
Armitage is now able to play from 17th March onwards till he again decides to temper up. His ban is uplifting two days prior to England’s fixture with Ireland in Dublin and Martin Johnson doesn’t seem like selecting him for that match either. England’s full
back was banned following an event where he was declared to have got physical with the anti-doping officer after London Irish’s match against bath on 1stJanuary. He was accused of ‘conduct prejudicial to the interests of the sport’.
The London Irish back appealed against the ban which he called ‘disproportionate’, but the Ian Unsworth the appeal panel chairman thought otherwise and concluded yesterday’s session for appeal by rejecting Armitage’s challenge. Unsworth said that there is
no uncertainty in decision taken in the original hearing and the jury had given a correct verdict then.
Unsworth stated during Rugby Football Union session, “We came to the conclusion that having regard to the seriousness of this matter and considering the aggravating and mitigating features that the decision and sanction reached by the original panel was
fair, reasonable and one which they were entitled to.”
Unsworth like the jury believes that Armitage was importunate belligerent, harrying and intimidating. He added, “He subjected the Doping Control Officer to a volley of abuse and he deserved better than that.”
Considering Unsworth’s strict stance on Armitage’s case, one can conclude that the English back has been shown leniency and he could have been banned for a longer period of time.
Delon Anthony Armitage is also known as D-Low, Ugly, Chopsy and Mr. Angry. He is a Trindad born English rugby union player who also represents London Irish as a fullback, center and wing. He started his rugby from Richmond FC and then went on to Racing Rugby
Club de Nice. Armitage was signed by London Irish in 2002 and has been representing the Exiles since then.
Even after getting a limited ban for abusing an official Armitage didn’t repent nor did he showed he was sorry about it. Diplomacy was totally ignored by the 27 year old professional rugby and instead of cooperating with the jury and pleading guilty he kept
his attitude and filed an appeal based on arrogance.
Though, Armitage has won 19 caps for England and was named in the Six nations squad and has proved to be useful in crucial times, he lost his position to Ben Foden in the starting lineup last year.
On the other hand England after beating Wales with 26-19 at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff last weekend is ready to take on Italy this weekend at Twickenham in a 2nd round fixture. Later on England has to face Ireland which Delon Armitage will surely be missing
until and unless an injury causes his return with the mercy of Martin Johnson.
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