United States women's rugby star Alev Kelter was handed a three-match ban on Tuesday for stamping on the head of an opponent in a test match against Australia.
Kelter, a three-time U.S. Olympic representative in rugby sevens, was sent off in the 79th minute of the Pacific Four Series match on Saturday after the referee reviewed footage showing Kelter stamping forcefully on the head of Australia center Georgie Friedrichs.
In comments captured by television microphones, referee Aimee Barrett-Theron said Kelter would be getting a red card “because this is thuggery, it is deliberate and it is very dangerous foul play.