O’Gara handed six-week ban for disrespecting official

Former Ireland rugby star and current La Rochelle head coach Ronan O’Gara, has been handed a six-week touchline ban, after he “disrespected the authority of an official” during a recent Top 14 tie against Lyon.

This will be the second time the former Munster and Ireland fly half has been hauled before a disciplinary hearing, after being banned for two matches last season over an incident in a game against Racing 92.

According to the Top 14 organisers O’Gara was found to have offended on “the higher degree of the scale of gravity”, during their 23-20 win over Lyon a fortnight ago.

“After taking into account the aggravating circumstance (his disciplinary record), the penalty was increased by two weeks.

“After taking into account the mitigating circumstances (acknowledgment of guilt, conduct before and during the hearing), the sanction was reduced by two weeks.” The LNR statement read.

While also serving the role of director of rugby, O’Gara will not have to watch from the stands, with his match day role put on hold for the time being.

Diarmuid Kearney is a freelance Sports Journalist based in Co Kerry. He has more than 5 years experience covering domestic and international soccer for different media organisations, while also working for local and national print and digital organisations covering GAA.

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