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Cardiff Blues lock George Earle has been banned for eight weeks
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South African Earle made contact with the eye area of Bath flanker Tom Ellis
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His ban starts with missing their Pro12 home derby with Newport Gwent Dragons on Boxing Day
George Earle has been suspended for eight weeks following an independent Disciplinary Hearing in London today arising from his club’s European Rugby Challenge Cup, Round 4 match against Bath Rugby at the Recreation Ground.
Earle was sent off by referee, Alexandre Ruiz (France), for making contact with the eye area of the Bath Rugby flanker, Tom Ellis (No 6), in the 44th minute of the match in contravention of Law 10.4 (m).
Taking into account Earle’s clean disciplinary record and his apology to Ellis following the match, the Committee decided to reduce the sanction by five weeks before imposing an eight-week suspension.
Earle is free to play on Monday, 13 February 2017. Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.
Meanwhile, a citing complaint against Toulouse player, Maks van Dyk, arising from his club’s European Rugby Champions Cup, Round 4 match against Zebre Rugby at Stade Ernest Wallon, has been dismissed.
Van Dyk was cited by the match Citing Commissioner, Steve Savage (England), for striking an opponent in the 66th minute of the match in contravention of Law 10.4 (a), Striking another player with a hand, arm or fist.