Bergamasco eye-gouging suspension increased

3:05pm Friday 18th April 2008

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ITALY flanker Mauro Bergamasco has had his suspension increased after an unsuccessful appeal relating to eye-gouging Wales full-back Lee Byrne in February's Six Nations clash.

The Stade Francais back rower had his 13 week suspension increased to 17 weeks following an appeal against the length of suspension.

Bergamasco had apologised to Byrne for the offence which happened at the final whistle of Italy's 47-8 defeat in Cardiff.

He had said: "I apologise to the player in question, Lee Byrne, my supporters, team-mates, my club Stade Francais and the Italian Rugby Federation.

"The gesture I made, although serious, did not intend to cause any damage."

Bergamasco added: "I am aware that what happened does not reflect the values and principles of rugby, and sport in general and I pledge to show my commitment on the field as soon as possible."

Byrne scored two of Wales' five tries against Italy at the Millennium Stadium in a performance that earned him the man-of-the-match award.

A three-man independent Six Nations appeal committee, chaired by Rod McKenzie (Scotland) and also comprising HHJ Jeff Blackett (England) and Richard McGhee (Scotland), rejected the player's appeal to reduce the sanction to a lower-end offence from the mid-range originally applied.

The 17-week suspension lasts up to and including June, 23.