Here's the decision on that red card:
Zach Mercer red card dismissed
The Montpellier HĂ©rault Rugby No 8, Zach Mercer, has had the red card shown to him during his clubâs Heineken Champions Cup, Round of 16 match against the Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park, dismissed following an independent Disciplinary Hearing.
Mercer was sent off by the referee, Andrew Brace (Ireland), in the 50th minute of the match for tackling the Exeter Chiefs back row, Christ Tshiunza, in a dangerous manner in contravention of Law 9.13.
>Law 9.13 A player must not tackle an opponent dangerously
Under World Rugbyâs Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.13 relating to dangerous tackling carries the following sanction entry points â Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 6 weeks; Top end: 10 to 52 weeks.
An independent Disciplinary Committee comprising David Martin (Ireland), Chair, Gordon Black (Ireland) and Bogdan Zebega (Romania), viewed footage of the incident and heard evidence by video conference from Mercer, who accepted that he had committed an act of foul play but did not accept that it warranted a red card.
The committee also heard submissions from the Montpellier HĂ©rault Rugby Director of Rugby, Philippe Saint AndrĂ©, from the clubâs Defence and Laws Coach, Alex Ruiz, from the clubâs Team Manager, Tom Whitford, and from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer, Liam McTiernan. The clubâs legal representative, Joris Loupien, was also present during the hearing.
The committee decided that although Mercer had committed an act of foul play, the tackle did not warrant a red card. The sending off was therefore dismissed and Mercer is free to play.
EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.