The Independent Disciplinary Committee has reversed the decision of referee Andrew Brace to show the MHR third row a red card. It was once morest Exeter in the round of 16 of the Champions Cup that Zach Mercer received this card.
Zach Mercer’s red card has been rejected! As a reminder, the Montpellier player was sent back to the locker room in the 50th minute for a “dangerous tackle” on the number 7 of the Exeter Chiefs, Christ Tshiunza. A round of 16 under high tension which ended in extra time (33-33). A draw which deprived Montpellier of a Champions Cup quarter-final since Exeter had scored one more try.
After viewing footage of the incident, the decision to show the third row a red card was ultimately overruled. The Commission ruled that the action did not deserve a red card. “although Mercer committed an act of foul play”. During the audition, Zach Mercer also “admitted to have committed an act of foul play but that it did not deserve a red card.” Montpellier general manager Philippe Saint-André, assistant coach Alexandre Ruiz and team manager Tom Whitford were also heard.
Mercer available for the next game once morest Castres
Zach Mercer can therefore play once more immediately, good news for Montpellier. Philippe Saint-André had also complained regarding the refereeing of the meeting, having also reported 18 situations deemed contentious to the EPCR. Andrew Brace will however referee the meeting between La Rochelle and Saracens this Sunday.
