Guy Porter’s three-week ban highlights uncertainty over ‘foul play’ in rugby

Uncertainty across Europe about the precise definition of “foul play” in rugby union shows no sign of easing after the decision to give Leicester’s Guy Porter a three-week ban for an off-the-ball collision with Clermont’s Fritz Lee in Sunday’s Champions Cup last-16 tie. The original red card has been upheld and Porter will now miss Saturday’s second leg at Welford Road.

Leicester and Porter contested the charge but an independent disciplinary panel, chaired by Wales’s Roger Morris, found the Tigers centre “had committed a reckless act of foul play” even though neither player had the ball and the head clash looked accidental. The offence was deemed to be in the mid-range category of World Rugby sanctions but Porter’s suspension was halved because of his previously clear disciplinary record.

Both the player and European Professional Club Rugby have the right to appeal, which demonstrates the determination of rugby’s authorities to try to minimise head contact in the game. The case, however, sets a big precedent given Porter was fully entitled to try to close down the space available to Clermont’s midfield at pace, had his eyes fixed on the ball-carrying Camille Lopez and was not actively seeking contact with Lee.

That was not how the panel, which included the former Ireland fly-half David Humphreys and ex-Scotland coach Frank Hadden, ultimately saw it, despite a submission in Porter’s defence from Leicester Tigers’ general manager, Leigh Jones. Porter is free to play on 27 April but will be available 48 hours earlier if he completes a World Rugby tackle technique awareness course.

The verdict comes on the same day as a five-week ban was given to Brive’s full-back Axel Muller for what the panel ruled was an intentional