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Maxime Lucu Cleared: No Citation for Dangerous Tackle in Champions Cup Semi-Final

From Le Figaro · (40m ago) French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Bordeaux-Bègles scrum-half Maxime Lucu will not face disciplinary action for a dangerous tackle during the Champions Cup semi-final against Bath.
  • The decision comes after intense scrutiny from the British press and social media, which had fueled controversy over the tackle.
  • The EPCR confirmed that no citation would be issued, ending speculation about a potential ban before the Champions Cup final.

The Champions Cup semi-final between Bordeaux-Bègles and Bath has concluded, but the controversy surrounding a tackle by UBB scrum-half Maxime Lucu continues to reverberate.

INFO FIGARO - La presse britannique et les réseaux sociaux s’enflammaient après une action dangereuse du demi de mêlée bordelais contre Bath.

— Le FigaroIntroduction to the controversy surrounding Maxime Lucu's tackle.

Following the match, British media and social media platforms erupted, accusing Lucu of a dangerous tackle on Bath's Alfie Barbeary. Bath's own coach even pinpointed the exact moment of the alleged offense, fueling speculation that Lucu could face a suspension ahead of the Champions Cup final.

L’entraîneur de Bath avait même indiqué, en conférence de presse d’après-match, à «la 41e minute et 8 secondes».

Detailing the specific accusation from Bath's coach.

However, Le Figaro has learned from the EPCR, the organizer of European competitions, that Maxime Lucu will not be cited. This decision brings an end to the suspense surrounding the player's potential sanction.

Dès lors, se posait la question de savoir si le numéro 9 girondin allait être cité et, peut-être, écoper d’une sanction avant la finale de la Champions Cup, le 23 mai, à Bilbao.

Explaining the potential consequences for Lucu.

While this news may bring relief to Bordeaux-Bègles and their supporters, it's unlikely to quell all the debate. The intensity of the reaction from the British press and online communities highlights the passionate, and sometimes contentious, nature of rugby rivalries. From our perspective in France, while we acknowledge the seriousness of dangerous play, we also trust the established disciplinary processes to make fair judgments based on all available evidence, rather than succumbing to external pressure.

Il n’en sera rien.

Announcing the decision not to cite Lucu.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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