Axelle Berthoumieu’s Suspension Reduced for Bite at Rugby World Cup
French rugby player Axelle Berthoumieu has had her suspension reduced for biting a rival in the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final match. Initially, the suspension was for twelve matches, but after an appeal, it has been reduced to nine.
Berthoumieu admitted to biting Aoife Wafer, of the Ireland team, during France’s 18-13 victory in the match played at Sandy Park on Sunday. The action was considered a red card by the independent review committee that met on Monday, although the player disputed the severity of the sanction.
The independent disciplinary commission determined on Tuesday that the initial suspension was too long due to a procedural error, resulting in a reduction of three matches.
Axelle Berthoumieu, on the left, admitted to biting Irish star Aoife Wafer during France’s quarter-final victory at the World Cup on Sunday.
Berthoumieu will not be able to participate in the World Cup anymore, missing the semi-final match against England and the final or the third-place match the following weekend.
Additionally, her teammate Manae Feleu has also been ruled out of the rest of the tournament due to a three-match suspension for a dangerous tackle.
