Rugby World Cup 2011
Georgia wing hit with five-week ban
ESPNscrum Staff
October 2, 2011
Georgia's Lekso Gugava listens to his side's national anthem, Scotland v Georgia, Rugby World Cup, Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill, New Zealand, September 14, 2011
Lekso Gugava is in hot water for an alleged tip tackle on Pumas centre Felipe Contepomi © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Lexo Gugava
Tournaments/Tours: Rugby World Cup
Teams: Argentina | Georgia

Georgia wing Lekso Gugava has been banned for five weeks for a tip tackle on Argentina captain Felipe Contepomi during Sunday's Rugby World Cup Pool A clash between their respective sides in Palmerston North.

Gugava escaped punishment for the challenge at the time but was cited after the game and summoned to appear before a disciplinary hearing in Auckland on Monday.

The Judicial Officer found the player guilty of foul play and deemed the offence to be mid-range in terms of sanction, which has an entry point of six weeks. However, the Judicial Officer reduced the ban by a week after "taking into account mitigating factors and aggravating factors".

Gugava's ban will run up to and including November 7, though he does have 48 hours to appeal the decision.

Georgia's 25-7 defeat by the Pumas marked the end of their interest in the tournament.

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