France World Cup hopes hit as Estebanez handed three-week ban for dangerous tackle

By Sportsmail Reporter
Updated: 05:19 EST, 3 October 2011

France centre Fabrice Estebanez looks set to miss the rest of the World Cup after being hit with a three-week ban for a dangerous tackle against Tonga.

He received a yellow card for the tip tackle on Tonga substitute Joseph Tuineau in the second half of Les Bleus' 19-14 Pool A defeat in Wellington, Marc Lievremont's side going on to clinch the losing bonus point needed to secure their quarter-final berth.

Dangerous: France's Fabrice Estebanez has been banned for three weeks

Dangerous: France's Fabrice Estebanez has been banned for three weeks

The 29-year-old has 48 hours in which to appeal the decision, but as things stand he will miss Saturday's last-eight clash with England in Auckland.

Estebanez was cited yesterday by independent citing commissioner Steve Hinds of New Zealand, and the case was heard in Auckland today by the independent judicial officer Christopher Quinlan QC of England.

A statement from Rugby World Cup Limited read: 'Fabrice Estebanez of France has been suspended for three weeks after admitting committing tackle contrary to law 10(4)(j).

Number's up: It's unlikely the No 21 will be seen at the World Cup again

Number's up: It's unlikely the No 21 will be seen at the World Cup again

'Following a review of broadcast footage, Estebanez was cited by independent citing commissioner Steve Hinds (New Zealand) under Law 10.4(j) for a 'dangerous tip tackle' in the Rugby World Cup 2011 Pool A match against Tonga in Wellington on October 1.

'Estebanez was suspended by independent judicial officer Christopher Quinlan QC (England) in accordance with the Rugby World Cup 2011 disciplinary process.'


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