Coach cops first-ever ban for Wallabies clash after referee spray
Italy coach Gonzalo Quesada has been suspended for abusing a match official and will miss his side’s upcoming game against the Wallabies.
Quesada has been slapped with a two-game ban after making comments towards referee Luc Ramos in the wake of Italy’s 47-17 loss to the All Blacks last weekend.
Italy head coach Gonzalo Quesada. Getty Images for
The coach labelled Ramos’ performance with the whistle as “super poor” and took aim at some decisions that he believed cost his team.
“The score is a bit responsibility of the refereeing team ... they did a lot of mistakes today,” Quesada said post-match.
The sanction is a first and is in line with World Rugby’s new match official abuse sanction process, which was only implemented at the start of July.
Quesada’s ban will rub him out from “all match-day activity, including being present in the stadium” when Italy face Australia on Saturday night, as well as a fixture against South Africa later in the year.
“The match official abuse sanction process is targeted at reducing comments which often are the basis of the unacceptable increase in abuse and threats towards match officials,” the statement said.
The coach can appeal the suspension, in line with World Rugby rules.
At this stage, it’s unclear whether Italy and Quesada will appeal the sanction.
This weekend’s clash will mark the final game in charge for Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt, before handing the reins over to Les Kiss.
