O’Connell escapes citing as kick deemed ‘careless’

Munster will have undoubtedly breathed a huge sigh of relief with the news today that Paul O’Connell will not be cited following a kick during the defeat to Leinster.

By Declan Whooley

With the mammoth Heineken Cup tie away to Clermont on the horizon, there were genuine fears that the inspirational secondrow could possibly miss out after making contact with the head of Dave Kearney with his boot on Saturday evening.

While no-one for a minute suggested there was anything sinister about the challenge, he did knock the Leinster man out after the incident while attempting to kick the ball which Kearney had dived on.

Kearney was taken from the field of play and all eyes were on the RaboDirect authorities to see if there would be any further disciplinary action.

Today they ruled that he would not be cited. After viewing the footage again, they decided that it was a careless act rather than intentional and would not warrant a red card.

Music to Rob Penney's ears and everyone concerned with Munster.