 Lima is spoken to by referee Alan Lewis after the tackle on Wilkinson |
Samoa centre Brian Lima has been banned for three weeks for a dangerous tackle on Jonny Wilkinson during Saturday's 44-22 World Cup defeat by England. That ends the 35-year-old's World Cup as Samoa cannot qualify from Group A to reach the knockout phase.
Wilkinson escaped injury and referee Alan Lewis did not punish Lima during the game but citing commissioner, Steve Hines was unhappy with the incident.
His complaint was upheld by judicial officer Professor Lorne Crerar.
The challenge on Wilkinson was deemed to be a "deliberate rather than a reckless act" although the full sanction of six weeks was not imposed as Lima had never been previously sent off or cited.
He has 48 hours to appeal against his suspension.
Lima, who has carved a reputation for his tough tackling, earning him the nickname "The Chiropractor", has already announced his decision to retire after the world Cup.
Saturday's defeat in Nantes knocked Samoa out of the tournament, making it their worst World Cup campaign.
Samoa face USA on Wednesday in their final match to determine who will come bottom of the pool.
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