Ross Batty suspended for three weeks

Bath hooker Ross Batty has been banned for three weeks after being sent-off for a neck roll on Worcester Warriors’ Sam Lewis in their Premiership contest.

Batty was red carded in the 63rd minute of the game for dangerously attempting to clear Lewis out from a ruck.

With the front-rower off the field, the West Countrymen eventually succumbed to Worcester as Bryce Heem’s converted try in the 99th minute claimed a 21-19 victory for Alan Solomons’ men.

The player accepted the charge and was suspended for three weeks by the independent panel comprising Jeremy Summers (chair), Martin Picton and John Doubleday. He is free to play again on Tuesday 5th February 2019.

Panel chair Jeremy Summers said: “The player accepted his conduct involved a dangerous neck roll. Given there was contact with the head a mid-range point was mandated. Taking in to account all the circumstances the panel was however satisfied that a top end entry point was not required.

“The player had a clear record, accepted the offence and plainly regretted his actions. As such a 50% reduction from the entry point was allowed.”