Gloucester flanker Andy facing lengthy ban after punch dismissal

Published on 16/10/2012 00:00

Gloucester flanker Andy Hazell faces a lengthy ban after being summoned to appear before a disciplinary hearing following his red card in the Amlin Challenge Cup match against Mont-de-Marsan last Thursday.

Former England player Hazell was red-carded in the 55th minute by referee Neil Hennessy for punching Sebastien Ormaechea while video footage also showed Hazell aiming his knee at the player’s head during Gloucester’s 11-6 win at Stade Guy Boniface.

This is a contravention of Law 10.4 (a) which refers to the striking of another player with the hand, arm, fist or knee.

For the use of the hand, arm or fist, the penalties vary from two weeks at least through a mid-range suspension of five weeks and a maximum of eight to 52 weeks.

If the knee has been used, the lower end ban is three weeks in duration, through an eight-week mid-range ban with 12 to 52 weeks the highest end of the scale.

Roger Morris has been appointed as the independent Judicial Officer for the hearing, which has been set for 26 October, after Gloucester requested a postponement, although Hazell will be ineligible to play until the completion of the disciplinary process.

Following the game, the English side referred a number of incidents to the citing commissioner, John West, but he determined there was no evidence to support any citings.