France flanker Axelle Berthoumieu will miss the World Cup semi-final in opposition to England after being banned for 12 matches for biting Eire’s Aoife Wafer in Sunday’s quarter-final.
Berthoumieu confronted a disciplinary listening to on Monday after being cited for the incident within the second half of France’s 18-13 comeback victory in opposition to Eire.
France had stormed again from 13-0 down at half-time to e-book their place within the final 4 however the end result was shortly overshadowed by controversy when footage emerged showing to point out Berthoumieu biting Wafer’s arm throughout a breakdown.
Wafer was seen chatting with referee Aimee Barrett-Theron, gesturing towards her arm and indicating she had been bitten.
Eire captain Sam Monaghan later confirmed she had raised the problem with officers, although no motion was taken through the match.
“I spoke to the referee,” Monaghan stated. “Aoife told me. I didn’t see it myself but I spoke to the referee and asked them.”
The semi-final between England and France takes place on Saturday in Bristol at 3.30pm, with New Zealand taking part in Canada within the first semi-final on Friday night.
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