WOMEN’S Rugby World Cup star Axelle Berthoumieu has been slapped with a huge ban after she chomped down on her opponent during France’s win over Ireland.
Berthoumieu, 25, bit the arm of Aoife Wafer as France beat Ireland 18-13 in Exeter to reach the semi-finals of the competition.
French rugby star Axelle Berthoumieu has been hit with a huge ban after she bit her opponents armAlamy
Berthoumieu bit down on the arm of Ireland player Aoife Wafer
However, her moment of madness will mean she will not be available for Les Blues’ semi-final clash with England.
That’s because a foul play review committee (FPRC) has handed the flanker a 12-MATCH BAN.
That lengthy punishment means that, due to the timing of her upcoming games, Berthoumieu will be out of action until March 1, 2026.
While the punishment could have been even longer, had the FPRC not reduced it from an initial 18 matches.
Berthoumieu is understood to be appealing the decision.
The retrospective action comes after officials on the day missed the bite, despite Ireland star Wafer showing the referees the bite marks on her arm.
While fans watching from home clearly saw the incident on their screens even though the TMO didn’t take action with a review.
The bite was labelled by supporters as “crazy behaviour” with one fan claiming it “Makes Suarez look like a nibble.”
Getty Images – GettyBerthoumieu has been compared to Luis Suarez (left) who previously bit the shoulder of Giorgio Chiellini during the World Cup[/caption]
Suarez also bit Chelsea star Branislav Ivanovic while playing for LiverpoolRex Features
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The quip was in reference to former Barcelona ace Luis Suarez, who bit opponents while playing for Ajax, Liverpool and Uruguay in three separate incidents – the latter against Italy at the 2014 World Cup.
A statement from World Rugby claimed that the TMO was “unable to determine clear and obvious foul play”.
It read: “In reviewing the matter live, the TMO was unable to determine clear and obvious foul play and did not have the benefit of additional evidential submissions to corroborate.
“On the basis of all the evidence before them, the committee decided that the offending warranted the mandatory mid-range entry point of 18 matches.
“The committee awarded a deduction of six matches resulting in a final sanction of 12 matches.
“Although the player acknowledged the foul play and was remorseful full mitigation was not given due to the seriousness of the player’s actions, and that the player had the opportunity not to continue with the action.”
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