Warning: Graphic content
The son of a Dunedin club rugby player who has been left disfigured after being stomped on the head during a game is outraged the culprit was given just a one-game ban.The incident happened during a division 1 game at Peter Johnstone Park on May 17.
Green Island prop Aifala Taelega attempted to tackle Taieri No 8 Kasimila Vaihu.
Vaihu spun around and struck out with his boot, connecting with Taelega’s head.
Taelega was left with a large, deep cut close to his right eye.
The wound is still bandaged and until it is removed the family will not know whether his eyesight has been damaged.
Vaihu received a one-game ban for the incident, but that decision has been rescinded and the player may face a longer ban.
"This is for our pa," he wrote on social media.
"Our dad has played rugby for over 20 years. His journey started when he got a scholarship from Samoa to Upper Hutt College at just 16 years old. Since then, he’s worked hard, kept his head down and always led by example. He’s never done anyone wrong.
"So, for this to happen to him shows the kind of toxic attitude some clubs still allow.
"It’s honestly a disgrace. We’re not posting this for hate, we’re posting this to raise awareness. To say, this s... is not OK.
"Be safe, play fair, and don’t ever be like the shameful guy who did this to our dad.
"The guy only got a one-week stand-down. One week.
"We hope this player gets a proper ban and learns that rugby is about respect, not violence.
Otago Rugby Football Union chief executive Richard Kinley said the union could not comment on the situation as the judiciary panel was independent of the union and was still working through the process.
"However, I would add that under the regulatory framework the regulations do provide the opportunity for the judicial panel to reconsider their decision and on this occasion, they have chosen to take this route."
Taieri Rugby Football Club chairman Peter Dyer said it was before the judiciary and he could not comment.
"But we certainly don’t condone that sort of behaviour," Dyer said.
"From our player’s perspective, he has a pretty clean record. There was nothing malicious about it, it wasn’t intentional. I think that was reflected in the fact during the first judiciary he got one week."
Green Island coach Hayden Finch was also reluctant to say much. However, he said they were not happy with the initial finding of the judiciary.
"I think the video speaks for itself and it was just such a nasty outcome."
