Fritz banned for three weeks

Florian Fritz will miss France’s RBS 6 Nations matches against Scotland and Wales after being suspended for three weeks for striking an opponent during last weekend’s game against Ireland.

The Toulouse centre was earlier this week cited for allegedly eye-gouging an unnamed Ireland player – believed to be Stephen Ferris – in the 47th minute of last Saturday’s match in Dublin.

Fritz, 25, was cleared of that offence at today’s disciplinary hearing in London, but convicted of a blow to the face.

He can return to action on March 2, meaning he will be free to play in France’s final two Six Nations matches, visits to England and Italy.

But he will miss both of Les Bleus’ home matches in the tournament, starting with Saturday’s Stade de France showdown with the Scots.

“The committee, chaired by Roger Morris (Wales) and including Achille Reali (Italy) and Jeff Probyn (England), found that M. Fritz had not deliberately made contact with the eyes or eye area of his Irish opponent in the RBS 6 Nations match at Croke Park on Saturday, 7 February,” read a statement from the disciplinary panel.

“The committee did, however, find the player guilty of committing the lesser offence of striking an opponent and imposed a suspension of three weeks up to and including Sunday, 1 March, 2009.

Fritz was yesterday named in France’s starting line-up for the match but he will be replaced in midfield by Benoit Baby and Maxime Mermoz will be included among the replacements.

Mermoz, the Perpignan centre, was called up by France last night as potential cover for Fritz and Baby, and trained with the squad this morning.

Fritz will also miss the February 27 encounter with Grand Slam champions Wales in Paris.

France team manager Jo Maso was seemingly relieved by the disciplinary panel’s verdict.

“The gouging was not recognised,” he told www.lequipe.fr.

“I am thrilled and delighted we can hold our heads high because it is not this horrible act that has been punished.

“We regret this gesture but French rugby is not dirty.”