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lite.cnn.com - on gopher - inofficial |
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ARTICLE VIEW: |
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France’s Axelle Berthoumieu given reduced 9-match ban for biting |
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Ireland’s Aoife Wafer at 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup |
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By Ben Morse, CNN |
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Updated: |
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6:21 AM EDT, Wed September 17, 2025 |
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Source: CNN |
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France’s Axelle Berthoumieu has been given a reduced nine-match ban |
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for biting Ireland’s Aoife Wafer during their game at the 2025 World |
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Cup on Sunday. |
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In France’s 18-13 quarterfinal victory over Ireland in Exeter, |
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England, TV coverage showed Berthoumieu appearing to bite Wafer’s arm |
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during a penalty turnover. |
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No disciplinary action was handed out to the 25-year-old during the |
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match, but Ireland captain Sam Monaghan said she raised the incident |
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with referee Aimee Barrett-Theron. |
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On Monday, World Rugby, the sport’s governing body, an independent |
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foul play review committee (FPRC) had handed out a 12-game suspension |
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– down from the maximum penalty of 18 games. |
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The FPRC said: “In reviewing the matter live, the TMO (television |
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match official) was unable to determine clear and obvious foul play and |
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did not have the benefit of additional evidential submissions to |
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corroborate.” |
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The panel noted that Berthoumieu “was remorseful” and |
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“acknowledged foul play.” It reached its decision with the aid of |
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written evidence and broadcast angles. |
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The ban was to nine matches on Tuesday after an appeal was lodged which |
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recognized Berthoumieu’s admission, clean disciplinary record, |
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remorse and apology. |
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Berthoumieu will miss France’s upcoming semifinal against England on |
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Saturday and either the bronze medal game or the final on September 27 |
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as well as a further seven matches in her domestic championship. |
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Additionally, the FPRC gave France second row and co-captain Manae |
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Feleu a three-match ban for a dangerous tackle from the same game. |
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Although the panel noted that Feleu accepted that foul play occurred, |
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she did not believe it warranted a red card punishment and said she |
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would appeal the penalty. Feleu’s original ban was upheld Tuesday. |
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