Former Sri Lanka national rugby player and current Kandy Sports Club wing three-quarter Vishwamithra Jayasinghe has been slapped with a two-year ban barring him from participating in any forms of rugby with immediate effect.
The ban comes after the 27-year-old speedster was caught in a scuffle with a referee at the concluded 47th Mercantile Sevens that took place in July. Jayasinghe, who was representing the Access Group got into a brawl with the sub-official in charge when the cup final was played between MAS Holdings and Access.
Read about the incident: Vishwamithra Jayasinghe in hot water
Following the incident, a police complaint was lodged by the referee who was assaulted and was later dismissed after Jayasinghe pleaded guilty to his wrongdoings and apologized to the respective parties.
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Speaking to ThePapare initially, President of the Sri Lanka Rugby Referees Society (SLRRS) added that Jayasinghe could face repercussions when the matter is taken up by the disciplinary committee.
“The legal procedure has been mutually settled under four conditions. In future there will be no harassment/threatening in this regard, by this party. Secondly, if he (referee) requires medical attention, the two parties will have to bare (the cost of) it”
“The third condition is that he (Vishva) had to admit the fault and apologize and the Fourth (condition) is these legal proceedings cannot be equated to a World Rugby inquiry. Under these four conditions, he (the referee) has accepted the apology”
With Sri Lanka Rugby disciplinary inquiry on the incident coming to a conclusion, it was deemed that Jayasinghe was guilty of the offence and has been banned from participating in any forms of competitive rugby for a period of two years with effect from 23rd July 2017.
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Official sources from Sri Lanka Rugby confirmed that the ban will be with immediate effect and will be intact until 2019.
However, the former Isipathana winger could appeal against the ban to get his sentence reduced or reversed soon after the hearing.
Known as a speedy wing three-quarter in the Sri Lankan circuit, Vishwamithra represented Navy Sports Club before moving on to Kandy in 2016. Playing the Club Rugby season last season, Jayasinghe had scored 3 tries for the club.
He has been a regular in the national sevens outfit and was also a part of the contingent that took flight to Monaco for the Olympic qualifier.
