Rugby star faces long ban for head-stomp ‘thuggery' against Australia
USA star Alev Kelter is facing a massive suspension after getting sent off for stamping on the head of Wallaroos centre Georgie Friedrichs on Saturday - and the act of 'thuggery' could prove decisive in Australia's bid to play in the finals of the Rugby World Cup later this year.
Kelter, a three-time Olympian in sevens and bronze medallist in Paris, was shown a permanent red card in the 79th minute of the Wallaroos' 27-19 win at GIO Stadium in Canberra, in the second round of the Pacific Four tournament.
The 29-cap centre was tackled by Friedrichs and as the Wallaroo hung onto her left leg, Kelter stamped her right boot down five times in a bid to get rid of the Australian defender. At least two made contact with Friedrichs' head and two more connected with her arms and upper body, but the Wallaroo was lucky to escape without a serious facial injury.
Referee Aimee Barrett-Theron immediately blew up play and after reviewing the incident on the big screen, was quick to give Kelter her marching orders - but elected not to use a 20-minute red card because of the deliberate foul play.
'Twelve blue (Kelter) is going to get a permanent red card,' Barrett-Theron said.
'Because this is thuggery, it is deliberate and it is very dangerous foul play. She's clearly stamped on the head of the Australian player. That's reckless, that's dangerous and she's going off.'
The stamping incident capped an ill-tempered night from Kelter, a former college ice hockey and soccer star, who was also involved in other skirmishes throughout the game.
Kelter was later said to be distraught but left USA coach Sione Fukofuka, a former Wallaroos assistant coach, to visit the Australian sheds to check on Friedrichs.
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