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Dylan Hartley was sent off six minutes after coming on in the second half as Northampton lost to Leinster
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In front of England head coach Eddie Jones, hooker Hartley was dismissed for a swinging arm
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The 30-year-old led England to a record-equalling 14th consecutive Test win last weekend
Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder revealed that he expects Dylan Hartley to receive a substantial ban following his red card against Leinster.
In front of England head coach Eddie Jones, hooker Hartley was dismissed for a swinging arm on Sean O’Brien in the 58th minute at Franklin’s Gardens.
The incident is likely to add to his total of 54 weeks worth of bans accumulated throughout his career.
CREDIT: Balls.ie
Agreeing with the suggestion that Hartley should expect a decent ban, Mallinder said: “It’s a strike to the head, we’ve seen enough of them over the last few weeks. I think it was a red card.
“He’s been playing really well and leading England by example so it was disappointing.”
“You can’t strike to the head. We’ve seen enough of them over the last few weeks and I think it was a red card,” said Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder.
A lengthy ban that could threaten Hartley’s participation in England’s Six Nations opener against France at Twickenham on 4 February.
Stuart Lancaster, now part of the Leinster coaching staff, dropped Hartley from England’s 2015 World Cup squad after he headbutted Saracens’ Jamie George.