By Priscilla Jepchumba

Scotland lock Scott Cummings was suspended for one match after a foul on Franco Mostert in the match in which Scotland lost 32-15 to South Africa. Cummings initially received a yellow card for the foul. However, upon review by the TMO, the yellow card was upgraded to a red card, leaving the Scottish team with only fourteen players for the remainder of the match.

Initially, Cummings and Darge attempted to tackle Mostert, but Cummings inadvertently fell on Mostert’s leg, posing a significant injury risk. Although the foul was initially deemed worthy of a simple yellow card, a review of the replay led to the decision of a red card for foul play, as it violated World Rugby’s law against targeting the lower limbs.

“Scotland number five Scott Cummings appeared before an independent disciplinary panel via video link after receiving a 20-minute red card for an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.20(e) during Scotland’s match with South Africa on Sunday 10”, declared the disciplinary committee.

Cummings pleaded guilty at the disciplinary meeting but denied any intentionality behind his actions. The independent panel initially set a two-week suspension, but after reviewing his disciplinary record, reduced it to one week.

As a result of the ban, Cummings will not be available for Scotland’s friendly match against Portugal on November 16, 2024. The initial yellow card was turned into a red card in a controversial incident which sparked criticism over the social media, with some saying it was a red card. unintentionally cynical.

Some fans speculated that the incident resembled a “fang-roll”, a recently banned rugby technique. Ultimately, officials concluded that Cummings’ contact with Mostert’s leg was indeed risky.

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend acknowledged the missed opportunities and unfortunate circumstances which hampered their chances of victory, while expressing frustration over the red card incident which affected their play.

After the match, Townsend thanked the team but stressed the importance of capitalizing on opportunities. On the other hand, Cummings may find some relief in seeing his suspension coincide with Scotland’s friendly against Portugal, amid growing concerns over the need for improved policies to help officials identify dangerous games in the event of a breakdown.