England captain slapped with six-week ban
The 30-year-old New Zealand-born hooker received the ban for striking Leinster flank Sean O'Brien in last Friday's European Champions Cup clash with his side Northampton.
Hartley had only been on the pitch for six minutes when French referee Jerome Garces gave him a straight red card – O'Brien was unable to carry on after failing a Head Injury Assessment.
Hartley, who admitted the charge, will be free to play again on January 23.
He will still face a race to be considered match fit with England beginning the defence of their Six Nations title against France at Twickenham on February 4.
Hartley's previous poor record counted against him – with the new ban he totals 60 weeks in suspensions – whenthe Independent Disciplinary Commission came to consider their punishment.
"In upholding the red card decision, the Committee found that the offence was at the mid-range of World Rugby's sanctions and selected five weeks as the appropriate entry point," read the judgement of the Commission.
"Taking into account Hartley's poor disciplinary record, the Committee added two weeks to the sanction and then reduced the sanction by one week due to the player's guilty plea before imposing a suspension of six weeks."
England coach Eddie Jones surprised many in appointing Hartley captain when he took over after the 2015 World Cup.
But the choice proved inspired after 13 wins this year.
Jones was caught on camera in the stands last Friday running his hand down his face in despair when the hooker was sent off.
However, by Tuesday, Jones and Rugby Football Union Chief Executive Ian Ritchie were offering his full support.
"I think Dylan's got credit in the bank," Ritchie told BBC Sport.
"I think most people would say it's been a fantastic year. We've had 13 wins out of 13 and Dylan has made a huge contribution and he should be allowed to continue that.
"He's been a great leader and his performances on the pitch, and the way he's helped Eddie with the team, I think he's done a fantastic job," added Ritchie.
British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland had also offered his support to Hartley saying he had a great track record over the past year.
Hartley's sorry disciplinary record includes suspensions for head-butting, biting and gouging.
He was dropped by then England coach Stuart Lancaster – now on the coaching staff at Leinster – for the 2015 World Cup after headbutting Saracens' Jamie George.
Hartley's roll call of shame – previous disciplinary infractions by England and Northampton hooker Dylan Hartley:
April 2007: Banned for 26 weeks after gouging Wasps' duo James Haskell and Jonny O'Connor.
March 2012: Banned for eight weeks for biting Ireland flank Stephen Ferris during Six Nations match.
June 2012: Yellow-carded in his first game as England captain against South Africa.
December 2012: Given a two-week ban for striking Ulster's Rory Best.
May 2013: Eleven-week ban after being sent off for swearing at the referee, which cost him a place in the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia – his place went to Best.
December 2014: Banned for three weeks for elbowing Leicester's Matt Smith.
May 2015: Banned for four weeks for headbutting Saracens' Jamie George – cost him his place in the World Cup squad.
Agence France-Presse
