Bruno Andres Doglioli has been banned from rugby for three years after a reckless tackle on referee Maria Beatrice Benvenuti in a Serie A match in Italy.

During Vicenza's match against Valsugana, Doglioli charged at the referee and knocked her to the ground. Reports claim Benvenuti, 23, suffered whiplash from the incident.

The FIR says in a statement it was a "deliberate act of violence" and has handed Doglioli the longest ban in the last two decades. It says Doglioli has failed to uphold the "founding values of our sport".

The FIR statement continued: "The gesture of the Rugby Vicenza player is unacceptable against the referee and the sanctions reiterates the FIR's firm position against the abuser, verbally or physically of match officials."