Alec Hepburn has been suspended for three games following his red card just before half time on Saturday in Exeter’s 14-12 defeat to Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop in the Gallagher Premiership.
The six-cap England forward was dismissed by referee Ian Tempest for a tip tackle on Joe Marler, contrary World Rugby Law 9.18.
Panel chair, Charles Cuthbert said: “The player accepted that he had committed an act of foul play and that the act merited the award of a red card.
“The panel agreed with the submissions of both the club and the RFU that the appropriate entry point was low end.
“Allowing 50% mitigation on the basis of his acceptance of the charge, his clean record and his engagement with the process, the panel imposed a 3-week suspension which means the player is free to play on February 1.”
Alec Hepburn will miss the following games:
15.01 Exeter Chiefs v Glasgow (EPCR)
23.01 Montpellier v Exeter Chiefs (EPCR)
29.01 London Irish v Exeter Chiefs (Gallagher Premiership)
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FRONT-ROW
1. Tony Woodcock (New Zealand)
2. Rory Best (Ireland)
3. Carl Hayman (New Zealand)
SECOND-ROW
4. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
5. Paul O’Connell (Ireland)
