Toulon centre Mathieu Bastareaud has been handed a five-week ban for his forearm hit on Castres forward Christophe Samson a fortnight ago.
France captain Bastareaud was red-carded in the closing stages of Toulon’s 28-27 win over Castres on September 9 following the offence.
Bastareaud, who appeared to have been a changed man during France’s June tour of New Zealand, even being rewarded with the armband, has come in for heavy criticism for the hit that some even went as far as saying bordered on assault.
The duration of the suspension is of course positive news for France as he will not miss their November internationals. However, he will miss Toulon’s opening match of the Champions Cup, against Newcastle Falcons at Stade Mayol on October 14.
Hot-headed Bastareaud sees red!
Toulon captain, Mathieu Bastareaud, received a red card for this forearm hit on Christophe Samson. A ban surely awaits the France international…#Top14 #RCTvCAS pic.twitter.com/OZD7YC2JHq
— Sky Sports Rugby (@SkySportsRugby) September 9, 2018