CJ van der Linde, a prop for the Lions, has been exonerated from a biting allegation that arose during a Super Rugby match in Perth against Western Force, where he was cited for an incident involving lock Toby Lynn last Saturday.
Following a complaint from Force captain David Pocock, referee Garratt Williamson issued a white card to van der Linde, referring the matter to the citing commissioner after the occurrence at the back of a ruck in the tenth minute.
He was later cited for alleged foul play.
However, the citing did not stand.
On Wednesday, a SANZAR judicial hearing deemed van der Linde not guilty of violating laws related to acts that oppose good sportsmanship.
The judicial officer acknowledged the player’s testimony that there was no intent to bite and that the marks observed were more indicative of a forearm used in a levering type motion.
Buford states: It’s no shock that another South African escapes unscathed from a dubious incident. It’s understandable why many are choosing to leave the country.
by Buford Balony
