Australia jockey banned for headbutting rider, breaching protocol

Melbourne: In a bizarre turn of events, an Australian jockey has headbutted a rival rider, breaching social distancing rules in the process and has subsequently been given a six-month ban. Luke Tarrant injured Larry Cassidy during an altercation after a race at Doomben, as per a BBC report. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, racing in Australia has continued behind closed doors and with strict protocols. A stewards’ report said Tarrant’s helmet “made contact with the nose” of Cassidy and caused him an injury, the BBC Sport report says. The statement from officials at the Brisbane track said they took into account “significant contact to jockey Cassidy and the breach of Covid-19 social distancing protocols, and the potential for his actions to have an adverse effect on the racing industry”. Previously, Manchester City defender Kyle Walker faced disciplinary action from the club after tabloid The Sun reported he breached Britain’s lockdown rules by hosting a party during the coronavirus pandemic. The Sun had said that the England international Walker, 29, had also invited two call girls to the party at his Cheshire home. Walker had apologized for his actions in a statement to the newspaper on Sunday, saying he had let down his family, friends, club, supporters and the public. IANS

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