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Sunday, 9 June, 2002, 09:13 GMT 10:13 UK
Mazzariol gets 12-week ban
Francesco Mazzariol chips over the All Blacks defence
Mazzariol (right) pleaded guilty to the charge
Italy fly-half Francesco Mazzariol has been banned for 12 weeks after kicking All Blacks centre Daryl Gibson in the face during New Zealand's 64-10 Test victory in Hamilton.

Mazzariol will be suspended from all matches until 31 August after the player was cited by commissioner Dennis Whelahan.

The maximum recommended suspension for kicking an opponent is 26 weeks.

But a three-man judicial panel took into account that Mazzariol pleaded guilty to the charge and expressed regret for the incident.

Two Italian tacklers try to get to grips with Daryl Gibson
Gibson was "not really worried" by the incident

A previously unblemished record was also taken into account when suspending him.

For his part, Gibson said Mazzariol's kick had not hurt him.

"I don't know whether it was intentional or an accident," he said.

"He just seemed to kick me in the face. When I felt it, I grabbed his leg and looked up."

Gibson added that Mazzariol had apologised immediately.

"It didn't hurt so I'm not really worried about it," added the Canterbury Crusaders centre.

"I didn't feel there was much intent in it."

The Test defeat completed Italy's three-match tour of New Zealand.

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BBC's Graham Moody
"Far from perfect New Zealand"
See also:

08 Jun 02 |  International
Cullen sparks Italian rout
04 Jun 02 |  International
Lomu an All Black reserve
15 May 02 |  International
Forward pair to miss Italy tour
26 Apr 02 |  International
Johnstone axed by Italy
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