Stormers Prop Neethling Fouche Handed Four-match Urc Ban After Controversial Red-card Call

The Stormers United Rugby Championship playoff hopes are already in dire straits, and now they have received yet another blow with the suspension of prop Neethling Fouch.

The URC announced late on Friday night that the 32-year-old front-rower has been banned for four matches for his dangerous tackle against Ulster in the 38-34 defeat in Belfast last week Friday.

Fouch was desperately unlucky to receive a red card on the night by referee Andrea Piardi, as he was on his knees in an attempt to tackle Ulster centre Ben Carson in the 45th minute.

The referee and TMO deliberated and felt that Fouch did not wrap his arms around Carson in the tackle, and his right shoulder made contact with the Ulster players head.

Stormers lock Connor Evans was involved in the tackle before Fouch, though, and Carson had also dropped his head lower just before making contact with the two tacklers.