Ticats' Austin banned from sideline Saturday vs. Stampeders

Hamilton Tiger-Cats head coach Kent Austin won't be permitted on the sideline in Saturday's game against the Calgary Stampeders after making contact with an official last week. He was also fined $10,000.

"For his behaviour in a sideline incident with an on-field official during his team's game on Saturday, Sept. 24, Hamilton Tiger-Cats vice-president of football operations and head coach Kent Austin will be removed from the sidelines for the Tiger-Cats' next game, this Saturday, Oct. 1," commissioner Jeffrey L. Orridge said in a statement.

"He will be allowed in the spotters' booth but he will not have the privilege of joining his team on the field or interacting with officials on the field. Furthermore, Coach Austin is fined $10,000. A penalty of this magnitude levied against a coach for an interaction with an official is unprecedented in our league."

Austin appeared to slap an official while arguing a call last week against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Hamilton accepted the ruling in a statement, but called it "unprecedented and harsh."