Argentinian rugby player suspended for 29 years

Buenos Aires Rugby Union (URBA) has handed out a 29-year suspension to Pucara Club prop Cipriano Martinez for kicking an opponent in the head.

The decision was made public on Wednesday by club president Eduardo Bernadello who told local television channel Todo Noticias that the club agrees with the punishment, reports Xinhua.

"We received the official notification about Cipriano's punishment. It is 1,508 weeks' suspension which adds up to roughly 29 years," said the leader.

The attack took place on April 3 in a match in the Intermediate category between Pucara and San Albano, as part of the URBA tournament. During play, Martinez kicked Juan Masi hard in the face.

A video of the incident, which only lasts four seconds, quickly went viral on social networking sites. This provoked outrage among the sport's fans in Argentina and served as evidence for the authorities.

URBA's Regulations on Sanctions allows players to be suspended for a lifetime if they kick someone in the head.

Apart form URBA's punishment, Pucara has banned the player for life from carrying out activities related to rugby with the club although he can use the institution's facilities as he is a partner.

--IANS

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