Australia's James Horwill cleared for second rugby test against Lions
"After hearing all the evidence I could not find that when James Horwill's right foot came into glancing contact with Alun Wyn Jones' face, that Horwill was acting recklessly," judicial officer Nigel Hampton said after the hearing in Melbourne.
Australia captain James Horwill has been cleared of stamping during his side's loss to the British & Irish Lions in the first test in Brisbane.
The 28-year-old lock was cited for allegedly stamping or trampling on Lions counterpart Alun Wyn Jones early in the match at Lang Park on Saturday.
"After hearing all the evidence I could not find that when James Horwill's right foot came into glancing contact with Alun Wyn Jones' face, that Horwill was acting recklessly," judicial officer Nigel Hampton said after the hearing in Melbourne yesterday.
"I found that I could not reject as being implausible or improbable Horwill's explanation that as he was driving forward with his right leg raised he was spun off balance through the impact of Lions players entering the ruck from the opposite side.
"In an endeavour to regain his balance Horwill brought his right leg to the ground unknowing that Alun Wyn Jones' head was in that area, due to having his sight impeded by the presence of Michael Hooper and Tom Croft who were beneath him and over the top of Alun Wyn Jones."
The decision means Horwill will be free to play the second test in Melbourne on Saturday, a match his side must win to keep the three-match series alive.