Rugby player was banned for life after laying out female referee during match

Vicenza: So, there was this wild incident in Italy where a rugby player, Bruno Andres Doglioli, just lost it. He tackled a female referee, Maria Beatrice Benvenuti, from behind. Can you believe that?

It all went down during a match between Vicenza and Valsugana. Maria was just doing her job when Doglioli decided to take her out. She didn’t even see it coming! After the hit, she managed to finish the game but ended up in the hospital with whiplash.

Initially, they gave him a three-year ban, which was already a big deal. But then, after they reviewed the footage, they realized how serious it was and upgraded it to a lifetime ban. The Italian Rugby Federation made it clear they won’t tolerate such behavior.

Vicenza, Doglioli’s club, said they wouldn’t appeal the decision. They want this to be a lesson for everyone. As for Maria, she was only 23 at the time, but she didn’t let this incident hold her back.

She went on to represent Italy at the Rio Olympics and has officiated in three Women’s Rugby World Cups. Besides that, she’s also working as a recruiter and has done some motivational speaking. What a comeback, right?