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US women's rugby star sent off for 'deliberate and dangerous' head stamp of Australian opponent
American Olympic rugby star Alev Kelter will face a judicial hearing and potentially lengthy suspension after being sent off in a womens rugby test on Saturday for stamping on the head of an opponent.Team USA was playing against Australia, who went on to celebrate a 27-19 victory in Saturday's contest.Upon a video review, referees issued a red card around the 79th minute of action in the Pacific Four Series test. Officials determined Kelter forcefully stamped on the head of Australian center Georgie Friedrichs.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMMicrophones picked up a referee saying, "Twelve, blue (Kelter), is going to receive a permanent red card because this is thuggery, it is deliberate and it is very dangerous foul play."Shes clearly stamped on the head of the Australian player. Thats reckless, thats dangerous and shes going off."US RUGBY SEVENS STAR ILONA MAHER ADMITS BRONZE MEDAL IS 'WEARING A LITTLE BIT'Friedrichs appeared to avoid any major injuries in the incident. Team USA coach Sione Fukofuka later apologized to the Australian players.Foul play in rugby that involves contact with the head is treated with extreme seriousness. Rugby, like many contact sports, has changed its rules in an effort to limit the danger of concussion and other head injuries.Kelter is a three-time US Olympic representative in rugby sevens and won a bronze medal in Paris last year. She previously played ice hockey and soccer for the University of Wisconsin.In rugby, judicial hearings over foul play usually take place within 48 hours of a match.The Associated Press contributed to this report.Follow Fox News Digitals sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.