Glasgow's Stafford McDowall cited after Toulon clash

Stafford McDowall is preparing for a big end to the URC season <i>(Image: SNS)</i>
Stafford McDowall is preparing for a big end to the URC season (Image: SNS)
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Stafford McDowall has been been cited for allegedly making contact with the eye or eye area of Toulon's Facundo Isa during Sunday’s Challenge Cup clash. 

The Glasgow Warriors centre will face a disciplinary hearing on Thursday, with McDowall facing a potentially lengthy ban if he is found guilty. 

The 26-year-old, who captained Scotland during the autumn, could be handed anything from a four-week ban for 'contact with the eye area' or up to 208 weeks if he is found to have made 'intentional contact with the eye(s)/eye area' of Argentina international Isa. 

Tournament organisers EPCR said in a press release: "McDowall is alleged to have made contact with the eye or eye area of RC Toulon number eight Facundo Isa, which actions were deemed reaching the threshold of a red card, in contravention of Law 9.12.

"The complaint was made by the match citing commissioner Deker Govender (South Africa).

"Law 9.12 A player must not physically abuse anyone. Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to:

"Intentional Contact with Eye(s) – which, under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, carries the following sanction entry points – Low-end: 12 weeks; Mid-range: 18 weeks; Top-end: 24-208 weeks

"Reckless contact with Eye(s) – which, under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, carries the following sanction entry points – Low-end: 6 weeks; Mid-range: 12 weeks; Top-end: 18-208 weeks

"Contact with Eye area – which, under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, carries the following sanction entry points – Low-end: 4 weeks; Mid-range: 8 weeks; Top-end: 12-52 weeks."

McDowall will appear in front of the panel chaired by Antony Davies (England) and including ex-Wales captain Ken Owens and former Springbok Stefan Terblanche on Thursday morning. 

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