Barry free to play on after Tait tackle

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2008

LONDON (AFP) — De Wet Barry was cleared of a deliberate late tackle on Mathew Tait by an Rugby Football Union disciplinary panel here Monday, with officials deciding the Springbok centre's red-card against Newcastle last weekend was sufficient punishment in itself.

Barry was sent-off during Harlequins's 15-9 English Premiership win at home to Newcastle on Saturday following a shoulder charge which upended Tait just before the hour mark and left the England midfielder requiring treatment for several minutes before he could continue in the match.

However, a panel chaired by His Honour Judge Jeff Blackett, the RFU's senior disciplinary officer, found Barry not guilty of a deliberate offence and he is free to play on.

The news will come as a relief to...