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Leonardo Ghiraldini handed over 15-week suspension for eye gouging offence – Rugby News

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Leonardo Ghiraldini handed over 15-week suspension for eye gouging offence – Rugby News
Italy’s national Rugby Union team’s international front row forwards player, Leonardo Ghiraldini, has been handed over a 15-week suspension for an eye gouging offence, committed in Italy’s last match of the Rugby World Cup tournament. Officials have announced the sanction for the offence on Wednesday, October 5.
Earlier, Ghiraldini was hit by citing Commissioner Peter Larter for an offence he made during Ireland and Italy’s Pool C encounter. Ireland defeated Italy 36 – 6 to confirm their place in the last eight of the tournament at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin on Sunday, October 2.
The incident occurred in the first-half of last Sunday’s game. Following Italy’s second penalty goal, a ruck was formed, in which Ireland’s prop Cian Healy, in an attempt to counter ruck, made contact with Italy’s hooker Ghiraldini. However, Ghiraldini grabbed Healy’s head with his right arm and made contact with the Healy’s eye with his hand’s middle and third finger.
Larter cited Ghiraldini’s actions as a violation of the International Rugby Board’s (IRB) law 10.4(m). He directed Ghiraldini to appear for a judicial hearing on Tuesday, October 4.
Ghiraldini appeared for the hearing chaired by Bruce Squire QC at Auckland. Besides, Ghiraldini and his counselor Aaron Lloyd, Fabrizio Gaedaniello a member of Italy Rugby Union, Susan Ahern a RWC disciplinary officer and Ben Rutherford a Legal Counsel for RWC were also present at the hearing.
Ghiraldini admitted that his fingers came in contact with Healy’s eye and eye area. However, he denied any eye gouging or eye penetration incident. He further added that his fingers met the eye area only as he was trying to the grasp the Healy’s shirt to push him back.
After hearing the opinion of all concerned and observing the video footage, Squire found Ghiraldini actions as violation of the law 10.4(m). He placed the offence as a mid range offence and handed over a 15-week ban.
The 26-year-old Ghiraldini is an Italian professional rugby union player. He started his career for Petrarca Rugby. In 2005, he joined Rugby Calvisano and remained there until the end of 2008 season.  At the start of the 2009 season, he joined Benetton Treviso.
Padua born Ghiraldini made his international debut for Italy against Japan in June 2006. He so far has made 41 international appearances for Azzurri’s and has scored 15 points. He has also represented Italy at under 18s, 19s, 21s and Italy A level. The 2011 RWC was his second consecutive RWC tournament. 
The ban has forced Ghiraldini out of the action until January 17, 2012. Ghiraldini has the right to appeal the sanction imposed.  
Ireland will take on the Wales to kick-start the 2011 RWC quarterfinals encounters on Saturday, October 8.

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