Italy prop Marco Riccioni suspended two weeks for red card incident

Italy prop Marco Riccioni has been handed a two-week suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct during a Nations Championship rugby test against Australia on July 15, where Italy lost 57-10. The incident occurred in the 66th minute when Riccioni, already substituted, engaged in a wrestle that caused a disruption in the technical area. The Foul Play Review committee considered the foul serious enough to warrant a four-week ban, but it was reduced due to Riccioni's admission of guilt and prior disciplinary record. This suspension marks the third involving an Italian player or coach in recent weeks, following lock Niccolo Cannone's four-week ban for head-butting and head coach Gonzalo Quesada's reduced suspension for misconduct.

• 3:34 AMYahoo Sports — Italy prop Riccioni gets 2-week ban for sideline red card in Nations Championship rugby test