Leicester Tigers head coach Michael Cheika has been handed a two-week suspension after being found guilty of disrespecting an independent match-day doctor. The ban comes after Cheika’s conduct during his first competitive game in charge, a 17-14 victory over Exeter on September 21.
The independent disciplinary panel ruled that Cheika had challenged the doctor’s decision to permanently remove a player under the Immediate Permanent Removal (IPR) protocol. While Cheika was not found to be intimidating or abusive, the panel determined that his actions were disrespectful.
Cheika will miss Leicester’s Premiership match against Newcastle this Saturday, with one week of the ban suspended until the end of the season. Leicester expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling, stating they will seek clarification from the Rugby Football Union and may appeal the decision.
