
Sport
Share
Published 14:25 26 May 2013 BST
Updated 12:22 14 Nov 2014 GMT
Northampton hooker Dylan Hartley has been ruled out of the upcoming Lions Tour following an 11 week ban for yesterday’s red card at Twickenham.
By Declan Whooley
The controversial hooker became the first player to be sent off in a Premiership final in yesterday’s defeat to Leicester for calling referee Wayne Barnes a “fu**ing cheat”.
Judge Blackett at today’s hearing was adamant in his condemnation of Hartleys actions yesterday and issued a 12 week ban, reduced by one week for his conduct at court.
“Calling a referee a cheat is an attack on his integrity and contrary to core values of rugby and therefore we have taken a serious view and provided a serious sanction,” he said.
Hartley has the right to appeal, but it now appears that the door is open for Ulster captain Rory Best to join the squad before they jet off for for Hong Kong for the opening clash with the Barbarians.
Best was considered very unlucky to miss out the first time round and now he looks in pole position to join to squad as a replacement.
Better late than never.
UPDATE: Rory Best has thankfully been called up to the squad. Thankfully Gatland was forced to come to his senses!
Hundreds arrested in Paris Champions League celebrations
It follows Paris Saint-Germain’s victory in the Champions League final against Arsenal. Hundreds have been arrested in Paris following Champions League celebrations. Clashes between football fans and police across France, particularly in the French capital, have led to over 400 arrests. It follows Paris Saint-Germain’s victory in the Champions League final against Arsenal. The disorder […]
Sport
1 week ago
Irish sports ministers to skip Ireland-Israel game in Dublin
The teams are set to meet in a UEFA Nations League tie this October. Two Irish sports ministers are set to skip the upcoming Republic of Ireland v Israel game in Dublin. The Republic of Ireland will play Israel in the UEFA Nations League at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Sunday, October 4, just […]
Sport
1 week ago
Football match ends in tragedy as referee shot dead on pitch
Sport