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American Olympic rye city star Alev Kelter faces a hearing and potentially long suspension after being sent out in a woman’s rugby test on Saturday to stamp on the head of an opponent.
Team USA played against Australia, who continued to celebrate a 27-19 win in Saturday’s competition.
Upon a video review, the judges issued a red card around the 79th minute of action in the Pacific Four series test. Officials determined Celts with strongly stamped on the head of the Australian center Georgie Friedrichs.
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Alev Kelter from the United States leaves the course after receiving a red card under the Pacific Four Series International Match between Australia Wallaroos and the US at Gio Stadium on May 17, 2025 in Canberra, Australia. (Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
Microphones picked up a judge who said, “Twelve, blue (Kelter), will receive a permanent red card because this is thuggery, it’s conscious and it’s very dangerously bad game.
“She’s clearly stamped on the head of the Australian player. It’s ruthless, it’s dangerous and she’s going off.”
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Friedrichs seemed to avoid major damage to the incident. Team USA -Trainer Sione Fukofuka later apologized for the Australian players.
The tip of the United States Alev Kelter, #5, runs against Britain in a woman’s quarter -final rugby fight during Paris 2024 -Olympic summer matches on Stade de France on July 29, 2024. (Kirby Lee -usa Today Sports)
Foul games in Rugby involving contact with the head are treated with extreme seriousness. Rugby has, like many contact sports, changed its rules in an attempt to limit the danger of concussion and other head injuries.
The United States Spider Alev Kelter, #5, and United States Tips Ilona Maher, #2, celebrates after defeating Britain in a woman’s quarter -final rugby match during Paris 2024 Olympic summer matches at Stade de France on July 29, 2024. (Kirby Lee -usa Today Sports)
Kelter is a three-time American Olympic representative in Rugby Sevens and won a bronze medal in Paris last year. She played former ice hockey and football for the University of Wisconsin.
In Rugby, legal hearings over bad play usually take place within 48 hours of a match.
