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PARIS - World Cup bosses have delivered on their threat to crack down on violence at the tournament.
IRB referees boss Paddy O'Brien warned in the Herald last week that foul play would not be tolerated, and yesterday officials made an example of South Africa flanker Schalk Burger, England captain Phil Vickery and USA centre Paul Emerick.
Burger will not play again at the cup unless his team reach the semifinals.
He was banned for four matches at a disciplinary hearing yesterday after he was found guilty of a dangerous tackle on Samoan halfback Junior Polu in South Africa's 59-7 victory on Monday.
A spokesman said the team would appeal against the verdict.
If the sentence is upheld, Burger, named world player of the year in 2004, will miss the Pool A match against England on Saturday (NZT) as well as matches against Tonga, the United States and the quarter-final - should South Africa reach that stage.
Vickery is also out for two matches for tripping Emerick in the 28-10 victory over the US.
Emerick was suspended for five weeks for a dangerous tackle on Olly Barkley, ending Emerick's Cup campaign.
Burger pleaded not guilty after being cited and said that he had been contesting the ball in the air when he had made contact with Polu.
However, Terry Willis, the judicial officer, decided that Burger "executed a reckless and sloppy tackle that was high and dangerous", according to the tournament's website.
The offence carries a two to 10 week suspension. Willis decided the offence was in the mid-range of seriousness.
Burger's remorse, his excellent conduct during the hearing and his good disciplinary record were taken into mitigation.
Vickery was cited after the tripping incident went unnoticed by the referee.
He claimed the trip had been accidental, and Emerick also said he did not believe there had been any malice.
However, after a three-hour hearing World Cup officials issued a statement saying: "The judicial officer deemed the trip was a deliberate act and was delivered with some force, causing the opposing player to be knocked over."
The judicial officer took into account several mitigating circumstances including the immediate admission of culpability, the player's good character and his conduct during the hearing.
"The entry point for a mid-range offence is four weeks. In light of the mitigating factors, the JO imposed a sanction of two matches," the statement said.
The ban means Vickery will miss the match against South Africa at the Stade de France and the game against Samoa in Nantes on September 23.
England said they would consider lodging an appeal and have 48 hours to do so.
Samoa's Alfie Vaeluaga was also cited for a high tackle on Springboks fullback Percy Montgomery. A date for his hearing is yet to be set.
- Reuters
