Johansson suspended for two weeks
Staff
February 18, 2007

QR Queensland Reds Centre Lloyd Johansson was today suspended for two weeks after being found guilty of a dangerous tackle during a match between the Queensland Reds and ACT Brumbies in Brisbane yesterday.

Johansson faced a SANZAR Judicial Officer in Brisbane charged with a dangerous tackle on Stirling Mortlock. He was cited after being given a yellow card for an incident late in the match. Johansson has been banned from all rugby until 4 March 2007.

The SANZAR Judicial Officer Mr. Harold Shand conducted the disciplinary hearing.

Johansson was represented by his barrister, Mr. Tim Matthews and Reds Team Manager, Mr. Luca Liussi. Evidence was also heard from the match referee Mr. Matt Goddard.

Johansson admitted the tackle was dangerous but stated it was not intentional but was an instinctive reflex action on an opponent taking an inside pass. The referee's assessment of the tackle appeared to concur with this which impacted on the decision to issue a yellow card.

The Judicial Officer however determined that the tackle was recklessly dangerous and a further penalty should be imposed as there was a need for a deterrent to combat this type of offence.

But for the facts that Johansson's previous conduct had been exemplary and he had shown genuine remorse and had apologised personally to Mortlock, a longer suspension may have been appropriate.

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