This idiot had just recently returned from suspension and it seems he should've stayed in suspension. The ref suffered injuries to his cheekbone and jaw, but avoided a broken jaw.
The game was immediately abandoned, and the president of the French Rugby League Federation, Marc Palanques, quickly condemned what had happened.
"I hope that the National Disciplinary Commission, which will meet on Wednesday, will be uncompromising," said Palanques.
The president of the Saint-Esteve club, Christian Cozza, is set to resign as a result of the incident.
"This player had already been suspended four games earlier in the season and I did not want him to play," said Cozza.
Saint-Esteve also face a heavy penalty for the punch, while the player involved faces a life ban from the sport.
This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission.
