Eastmond and Pennell pick up bans

Kyle Eastmond appeared before an independent disciplinary panel on Tuesday over his red card that he picked up in

Leicester Tigers 41-10 defeat at the hands of Bristol Bears on Saturday.

The Tigers were forced to play with 14-men for the majority of the match after centre Eastmond was red-carded for a high shot on Ian Madigan in the 25th minute of the match.

He was charged with a dangerous tackle, contrary to Law 9.13.

Eastmond plead guilty to the charge and was suspended for four weeks by the independent disciplinary panel comprising of John Brennan (chair), Matt Bayliss and Tony Wheat. He is free to play again on 1 January 2019.

Independent panel chair John Brennan said:"The player accepted the charge and accepted through his representative that the entry point was mid-range due to there being direct contact to the head of the opponent. The panel acknowledged his plea, his remorse for the incident and his apology but could not give the player full mitigation of 50% due to his having been sanctioned for dangerous tackling last season. As such, the entry point was reduced by two weeks rather than three."

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Worcester Warriors fullback Chris Pennell also appeared before an independent disciplinary panel on Tuesday charged with tackling Charlie Sharples of Gloucester Rugby whose feet were off the ground causing him to land in a dangerous position, contrary to Law 9.17.

The incident occurred in the 57th minute of the match Gloucester's 36-16 win over Worcester on Saturday.

Pennell plead guilty and the independent disciplinary panel comprising of John Brennan (chair), Matt Bayliss and Tony Wheat suspended him for two weeks. He is free to play again on 18 December 2018.

Independent panel chair John Brennan said: "The panel accepted that this was a reckless challenge caused by a misjudgement on the player's part. Fortunately, no significant injury was caused. The panel found the entry point was low-end. There were no aggravating features and the player was entitled to full mitigation of 50% because he admitted the charge, had a hitherto unblemished record, despite a long career, and had expressed remorse."

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