Earls suspended for two weeks

Editor

Munster utility-back Keith Earls has been suspended for two weeks following an independent Disciplinary Hearing in London.

The suspension comes after Earls was sent off by referee Jérôme Garcès for a dangerous tackle on Glasgow Warriors hooker Fraser Brown in the 19th minute of the match at Thomond Park.

An independent Disciplinary Committee consisting of Mike Hamlin, Chairman Roddy Dunlop and Andrea Caranci heard evidence and submissions from Earls, who pleaded guilty to the offence, from Munster Team Manager, Niall O'Donovan from Munster Rugby's legal representative Derek Hegarty and from the Disciplinary Officer Liam McTiernan.

In upholding the red card decision, the Committee found that the offence was at the low end of World Rugby's sanctions and selected four weeks as the appropriate entry point.

As there were no aggravating factors, the Committee then reduced the sanction by a maximum of two weeks due to Earls' timely guilty plea, expression of remorse and clean disciplinary record before imposing a suspension of two weeks.

Earls will be free to play on November 7.