Williams was shown a red card by referee, John Lacey (Ireland), in the 24th minute of the match for an alleged ‘tip’ tackle on the Montpellier scrum half, Benoit Paillaugue, in contravention of Law 10.4(j).
The independent Judicial Officer, Jeremy Summers (England), heard submissions from Williams, from Cardiff Blues Team Manager Gafyn Cooper, and from ERC Disciplinary Officer, Roger O’Connor.
Employing the IRB recommended sanctions for Law 10.4(j), determined that the offence was at the mid-range entry point of eight weeks. In line with the IRB memorandum on ‘tip’ tackles, the Judicial Officer added a further one week as a deterrent.
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When considering the mitigating factors the Judicial Officer applied the maximum of four weeks for the player’s guilty plea, record and clear remorse, and accordingly suspended the player for five weeks.
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Williams will be free to play from Monday 14 January 2013.
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