Tune cleared of dangerous tackle
NZPA
March 10, 2007

Queensland Reds winger Ben Tune has been cleared of a dangerous tackle charge arising from last night's 33-17 loss in the Super 14 match against the Highlanders at Carisbrook in Dunedin.

Tune faced a SANZAR Judicial Committee hearing in Dunedin today after being cited by Match Citing Commissioner Mike O'Leary for an alleged dangerous tackle on Highlanders midfielder Aaron Bancroft in the 39th minute of the match.

Judicial officer Nick Davidson QC, who conducted the hearing, said the tackle was seen and dealt with by match officials.

Referee Marius Jonker believed it did not warrant any action and touch judge Gary Wise thought it warranted a penalty but did not tell the referee.

The conclusion was that the tackle by Tune began in an orthodox way but was magnified by Bancroft pivoting and jumping into the tackle. Bancroft was not injured.

Davidson said as the referee's decision was not obviously wrong Tune should be cleared.

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