Ireland and Connacht star Mack Hansen has been handed a three-match ban for comments made after Connacht's defeat to Leinster before Christmas.
Hansen, in the post-match press conference on December 22, said: "To be honest, it felt like we were getting reffed out of the game for the first 40 minutes, pretty much," and also added: "We never get any calls, ever. I’ve been feeling this for years now. It’s like we get that every time, so you can hear the frustration in my voice, ‘cos it’s starting to get to the point where, honestly, it’s bull***t and it’s starting to get really frustrating for us."
Following a hearing yesterday, Hansen has been handed a six-game ban, but three of those have been suspended, meaning he will still be in contention for Ireland's Six Nations campaign, which starts on 1 February.
The Ireland star will now miss Connacht’s Challenge Cup matches against Lyon and Cardiff, as well as a URC game against Glasgow.
Extraordinary post-match unload from Mack Hansen 🗣️
"I’m not going to change," Mack told me, earlier this year. "I just say what’s going on in my head. Sometimes, it doesn’t always work. It’s who I am, though, so I’ll keep it going.”pic.twitter.com/cMYuGYQ4qS
— Pat McCarry (@patmccarry) December 22, 2024
After the news of the ban, Hansen released a statement admitting he was at fault for his comments and claimed that he let his emotions get the better of him on the day.
Hansen also released a statement, saying, "People know I always wear my heart on my sleeve. However, after the Leinster game, on this occasion, I let my emotions get the better of me. Upon reflection, my comments to the media were ill-advised and fell far short of the standards I expect of myself and what the sport expects of its players."
Hansen also offered an apology to the referees and match officials who were on duty that day. This also extended to the URC, and he fully accepts the findings of the hearing. He is now focused on channelling his passion into his rugby with Connacht and Ireland, both on and off the rugby pitch.
"I want to offer an apology to the match officials for any distress my comments may have caused. Our games are built on mutual respect, and I didn’t show that after the game. I also want to apologise to the URC, and I fully accept the findings of the independent disciplinary panel. I love Connacht, and I love rugby. Moving forward, I will channel all my energy and passion into representing my province and country to the absolute best of my ability—both on and off the field."
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