SYDNEY – US Olympic rugby player Aleph Kelter is facing a disciplinary hearing and a possible lengthy suspension after being sent off during a women’s rugby test match against Australia on Saturday for stamping on an opponent’s head.
In the 79th minute of the Pacific Four Series match, Kelter was shown a red card after referee Amy Barrett Theron reviewed footage that showed her forcefully stamping on the head of Australian player Georgie Friedrichs.
Barrett noted on the mic, “12 Blue (Kelter) will receive a permanent red card. She clearly stamped on the head of an Australian player. It’s reckless, it’s dangerous, and she’s off.”
Fortunately, Friedrichs was not severely injured in the incident. Following the match, US team coach Sione Fu Zennou issued an apology to the Australian player.
Rugby takes foul plays, especially those involving head contact, quite seriously. Like many contact sports, it has implemented stricter rules to reduce the risk of concussions and other head injuries.
Kelter has represented the US in Rugby Sevens at the Olympics three times, earning a bronze medal in Paris last year. Before her rugby career, she played ice hockey and soccer at the University of Wisconsin.
Judicial hearings for foul play in rugby typically occur within 48 hours of the match.
Australia emerged victorious from Saturday’s game with a score of 27-19.
