WATCH: Toulouse left baffled by lengthy suspension for forward

Toulouse have expressed their frustration at a seven-match ban handed down to forward Lambert Belmas following their recent defeat at Bradford.

Belmas, 25, was handed the ban for an ‘attack to the testicles’ during Toulouse’s defeat at Odsal on February 25.

He was initially cited by the match review panel for ‘other contrary behaviour’, which led to a tribunal.

During which, the investigation found him guilty of a Grade F charge.

Now in a statement, Toulouse have released a video of the incident that led to the ban.

It reads: “Following the Bradford Bulls v Toulouse Olympique meeting on February 25, English full-back Tom Holmes asked for an investigation to be opened into an “attack on the testicles” by the Toulouse prop during a scuffle .

“Lambert Belmas meanwhile claimed his innocence throughout the investigation.

“Despite a video which shows no gesture, the RFL disciplinary committee classified the alleged action as ‘Grade F’ and the federal court sentenced the Toulouse prop to a seven-game suspension.”

The France international joined Toulouse ahead of last season but suffered an Achilles injury that meant he only played 12 games in Super League.

He signed a new two-year deal with the club midway through the year.

Following the incident against Bradford, Belmas has gone on to play in Toulouse’s wins over Whitehaven and Widnes, with his last appearance the defeat at Sheffield on March 25.

You can watch a video of the incident below.

Earlier this season, York centre Bailey Antrobus was cited for the same Grade F ‘attacking the testicles’ charge following a Championship game against Swinton.

He pleaded not guilty at a tribunal and was subsequently cleared of the charge.

There have been a growing number of cases of a similar nature.

Castleford youngster Elliot Wallis was given a five-match ban for an apparent striking of the testicles while playing for Midlands Hurricanes against Cornwall.

Back in September 2020, Super League duo Tom Lineham and Jordan Abdul were charged with grabbing the testicles of an opponent.

Bradford hooker George Flanagan served a 10-match ban for attacking an opponent’s testicles in the 2021 season, which was also rated as a Grade F incident.