Bonnaire cleared of stamping

Clermont flanker Julien Bonnaire has been cleared of stamping during last weekend's Heineken Cup win over the Scarlets.

Clermont flanker Julien Bonnaire has been cleared by the ERC disciplinary commission of stamping on an opponent during his side's 31-13 Heineken Cup victory over the Scarlets last weekend.

“Julien Bonnaire can play, no sanction has been taken against him,” said Bonnaire's lawyer Charles Fribourg after the meeting with the tournament organisers, European Rugby Cup (ERC).

“There was a discussion about whether his actions deserved a red card but we succeeded in showing the judges that this incident didn't deserve it.”

The 35-year-old former French international was accused of stamping on Scarlets' Rob McCusker during their Pool Four tie, which put the Top 14 side four points clear of Harlequins and nine ahead of Scarlets and Racing Metro.

Bonnaire was not punished during the match before appearing in front of the commission by video link on Thursday.