Argentina player given four-match ban for intimidating referee after England defeat

Argentina rugby fly half Tomas Albornoz has been banned for four matches after angrily confronting referee Angus Gardner following his side’s defeat to England rugby.

The Pumas were contentiously denied a potentially match-tying try in the final minute of the clash in Santiago del Estero, with Bautista Delguy’s score ruled out by referee Gardner in consultation with television match official Brett Cronan.

Albornoz had to be restrained by teammates after twice rushing over to Australian official Gardner in the aftermath.

The 28-year-old accepted his conduct, taken as a whole, was intimidatory but did not accept that his actions were abusive, insulting, offensive or threatening – a distinction which was accepted by both World Rugby and the disciplinary committee.

He has therefore been banned for four matches, including this weekend’s encounter between Argentina and South Africa in Buenos Aires.

Albornoz will also miss Tests against Australia on 29 August and 5 September, as well as Toulon’s Top 14 opener against La Rochelle.

Additional reporting by PA