Scots flanker has kneeing ban cut
SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) -- Scotland flanker Martin Leslie has had his suspension for foul play reduced from 12 weeks to eight, World Cup officials said on Wednesday.
Despite the ruling, Leslie will still miss the rest of the tournament and Scotland coach Ian McGeechan believes Leslie has been hard done by.
"We feel it is out of proportion in comparison with other incidents that have gone on in the tournament," he said. Leslie was banned for kneeing United States back Jason Kyter.
Tournament officials released a brief statement saying a three-man appeal committee, Canadian Graeme Mew, Australian John Freedman and Guillermo Tragant of Argentina, had agreed to shorten the ban after Leslie appealed.
Leslie had pleaded not guilty to the charge, arguing he had simply been trying to clear the center out of a ruck, but tournament judicial officer Terry Willis disagreed and suspended him from until January 12.
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