Disciplinary Update: Simone Gesi | Two Match Ban

The Disciplinary process related to Simone Gesi Red Card in the BKT United Rugby Championship Round 14 game against Ulster Rugby on Saturday, March 28 resulted in a two game suspension.

After an act of foul play by Zebre Parma player No 11 (Simone Gesi), referee Craig Evans showed the Player a Red Card in the 28th minute of the game under Law 9.12 – A player must not physically or verbally abuse anyone. Physical abuse includes but not limited to, biting, punching, contact with the eye or eye area, striking with any part of the arm, shoulder, head or knee(s), stamping, trampling, tripping or kicking.

In the Player’s responses to the Panel overseeing the disciplinary process Neil Snellenburg SC, (South Africa), Sibonile Khoza (South Africa) and Beth Dickens (Scotland) he had accepted that he had committed an act of foul play which warranted a Red Card. The Panel found that the incident met the Red Card threshold, with low-end entry point warranting four weeks. The Player received 2 weeks (50%) mitigation due to his apology, exemplary record and conduct throughout the disciplinary process which resulted in a two game suspension. 

Fixtures Simone Gesi was unavailable for:

Zebre Parma v Pau, Sunday April 5, EPCR Challenge Cup

Zebre Parma v Dragons RFC, Saturday April 11, EPCR Challenge Cup

The Player was provisionally suspended on 28 March 2026 pending the outcome of the disciplinary hearing. As a result the Zebre Parma v Pau match on 5 April 2026 was taken into consideration by the committee as part of the two game suspension.  Pursuant to clause 7.2.4 of the URC Disciplinary Rules, a Player may not play rugby union (or enter the Playing Enclosure in any capacity, including as a water carrier or tee carrier, at any time on the day of a Match) pending the resolution of an outstanding case by the Disciplinary Committee.