Lebanon five-eighth Adam Doueihi will miss his side’s crucial clash with Ireland after failing to overturn his dissent charge.
Doueihi was sent off in the 60th minute during the Cedar’s 34-12 loss to New Zealand for after reportedly saying to referee Grant Atkins: “Give us some f***ing calls”.
The 24-year-old received a Grade A charge for foul and abusive language to a match official, which carries a one-game ban.
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Doueihi attempted to fight the charge at a World Cup judiciary hearing in Manchester on Tuesday night but the panel chose not to overturn it.
It’s a huge blow for Lebanon, who need to this Sunday’s fixture (Monday AEDT) against Ireland to keep their finals hopes alive.
And there’s so much more on the line given those who progress to the quarterfinals will automatically qualify for the 2025 World Cup held in France.
Cedars Coach Michael Cheika will name his side later in the week with young Bulldogs playmaker Khaled Rajab an option to replace Doueihi.
Meanwhile, Samoan half Anthony Milford has also received a one-match ban due to a dangerous contact charge — but he is just one of many players coach Matt Parish has to replace.
SATURDAY OCTOBER 22
Australia vs Scotland 5.30am AEDT at Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry
Australia team:TBC
Late Mail: To come.
Scotland team: TBC
Late Mail: To come.
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France v Greece: Full Match Highlights | 02:57
SUNDAY OCTOBER 23
Fiji vs Italy 12.30am AEDT at Kingston Park, Newcastle
Fiji team: TBC
Late Mail: To come.
Italy team: TBC
Late Mail: To come.
England vs France 3.00am AEDT at University of Bolton Stadium, Bolton
England team: TBC
Late Mail: To come.
France team: TBC
Late Mail: To come.
New Zealand vs Jamaica 5.30am AEDT at MKM Stadium, Hull
New Zealand team:TBC
Late Mail: To come.
Jamaica team: TBC
Late Mail: To come.
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Jamaica v Ireland: Full Match Highlights | 02:55
MONDAY OCTOBER 24
Lebanon vs Ireland 12.30am AEDT at Leigh Sports Village, Leigh
Lebanon team:TBC
Late Mail: Adam Doueihi will have to watch on from the sidelines after copping a one-match ban for dissent. Young Bulldogs playmaker Khaled Rajab is an option to replace him.
Ireland team: TBC
Late Mail: To come.
Samoa vs Greece 3.00am AEDT at Eco-Power Stadium, Doncaster
Samoa team:TBC
Late Mail: Anthony Milford has accepted a one-match suspension for dangerous contact, while Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Braden Hamlin-Uele and Tyrone May have all been ruled out due to injury. Chanel Harris-Tavita seems the most likely player to replace Milford in the halves and Nu Brown will join the bench to replace May. Kelma Tuilagi will likely start in the second row, allowing Josh Aloiai to move to lock and Royce Hunt to join the bench. Coach Matt Parish will also likely call some fresh faces into the squad given Tabuai-Fidow and Hamlin-Uele have returned to Australia.
Greece team: TBC
Late Mail: To come.
England v Samoa – Full Match Highlights | 02:45
TUESDAY OCTOBER 25
Tonga vs Wales 5.30am AEDT at Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens
Tonga team:TBC
Late Mail: To come.
Wales team: TBC
Late Mail: To come.
Scotland v Italy – Full Match Highlights | 02:55
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 26
Papua New Guinea vs Cook Islands 5.30am AEDT at Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington
Papua New Guinea team:TBC
Late Mail: To come.
Cook Islands team: TBC
Late Mail: To come.
