Ireland fans are furious after Bundee Aki was ruled out for the remainder of the World Cup after receiving a three-match ban for his red card against Samoa.
The Ireland centre was sent off in the 47-5 Pool A win over the Samoans in Fukuoka on Saturday, for a high tackle on UJ Seuteni.
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Aki faced a disciplinary hearing in Tokyo on Monday night, contesting the red card decision in a bid to be available for Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand.
But the 29-year-old failed in that quest and was hit with a three-week ban, that would even rule him out of the World Cup final, should Ireland make it that far.
"The player sought to overturn the red card," read a World Rugby statement, confirming the three-week suspension.
"Having considered all the angles of the incident, together with evidence from the player and his representatives, the committee upheld the decision of the referee."
Fans were left fuming the hit resulted in the inside centre missing the crucial match against the All Blacks and any further potential crunch match.
Bundee Aki's 3-week ban is a disgrace. Rugby is a physical sport, played at speed. The red card was sufficient punishment.
— Peter McCormack (@PeterMcCormack) October 14, 2019
3 match ban for #BundeeAki was harsh, no matter what country you support. There isn't a malicious bone in that man's body. There are people still walking the earth in #RWC2019 who have deliberately tried to end another player's career with a cynical hit. I call bollocks.
— A Scribe Called C.West (@CiaranWest) October 14, 2019
Think Bundee Aki's 3 match ban is excessive. No intent involved.
— Ryan McGinley (@AyatollahGinley) October 14, 2019
Hard not to think Bundee Aki's three week ban is a bit too much. Must be devastating for him #RWC2019
— Liam (@elseedee88) October 14, 2019
Feeling for @bundeeaki12 today. The game has gone a bit soft. I’m all for player protection but there’s not much else a player can do in a split second than prepare for a hit.
— darren murray (@Yopsicles) October 14, 2019
Then to compound it with a 3 week ban.. seems harsh. #bundeeaki #RugbyWorldCup
The independent disciplinary committee of Adam Casselden, Frank Hadden and Valeriu Toma rejected Aki's and Ireland's attempts to have the red card rescinded.
And that leaves head coach Joe Schmidt's men one player short for the remainder of the tournament.
Aki would have been pushing hard for a start in Saturday's New Zealand clash, but his absence could pave the way for fit-again Robbie Henshaw to partner Garry Ringrose in midfield.
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Aki has 48 hours to appeal the decision, so has the right to launch a further challenge. But precious few attempts yield a reversal of the original ruling.
Ireland flew out specialist lawyer Derek Hegarty to Japan for Aki's disciplinary hearing, but the William Fry partner was unable to convince the panel to overturn the red card decision.
World Rugby ruled there were no "clear and obvious mitigating factors" to account for Aki's high tackle, and imposed an initial six-week suspension that was halved on account of the Connacht star's good disciplinary record.
Head coach Schmidt had hinted Ireland would respect the outcome of the disciplinary hearing come what may when speaking straight after the weekend's bonus-point win over Samoa.
"Once it's a red card you sense a loss of control over what happens next, no matter what you try to present," said Schmidt.
"There is a very hard line being taken and we'll just have to accept whatever decision is made by the judiciary."
With AAP