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Pinto attended an independent Disciplinary Committee hearing for an offence contrary to Law 9.11: \u201cPlayers must not do anything that is reckless or dangerous to others\u2026\u201d as a result of a review by the Foul Play Review Official.<\/p>\n
At the hearing, he was informed that he would be suspended for three matches, which would be reduced to two if he completes the Coaching Intervention Programme. Should he do so, Pinto could return for Portugal\u2019s clash with Fiji, having denied that he committed an act of foul play – though he can still appeal the decision.<\/p>\n
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Don’t miss… <\/strong> World Rugby confirmed the suspension, as their statement read: \u201cHaving considered all the available evidence, including the application of World Rugby\u2019s Head Contact Process, the submissions by the player and his representative, and all available camera angles and technology, the independent Committee determined that:<\/p>\n \u201cA reckless act of foul play had occurred; the player\u2019s actions involved poor decision-making and a lack of care for the opponent player, which placed the opponent player in a dangerous position; head contact had occurred, and the degree of danger was high; there were no mitigating factors present to bring the sanction down from a red card.<\/p>\n \u201cOn that basis and in considering the sanction, the independent Committee applied World Rugby\u2019s mandatory minimum mid-range entry point for foul play, resulting in head contact (six matches). Taking all considerations into account, including the player\u2019s remorse and excellent disciplinary record, the independent Committee determined a maximum mitigation of 50 per cent.\u201d<\/p>\n
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