Hartley to learn Six Nations fate
The 30-year-old New Zealand-born hooker, who has served 54 weeks of suspensions in his career because of various disciplinary issues, will appear at a hearing over his sending-off in Friday's European Champions Cup match between his side Northampton and Irish province Leinster.
He had been on the pitch for just six minutes when he was given a red card by referee Jerome Garces for swinging an arm at flank Sean O'Brien, who subsequently failed a Head Injury Assessment (HIA), and with England coach Eddie Jones sitting in the stands.
Jones surprised many in appointing Hartley captain when he took over after the 2015 World Cup. But the choice proved inspired with Hartley captaining the side to a record-equalling 14th successive win just over a week ago. Nevertheless Jones was seen running his hand down his face at Hartley's dismissal.
Northampton's director of rugby Jim Mallinder said he could not defend Hartley over the sending off.
Hartley runs the risk of an eight-week ban, jeopardising his chances of captaining England in the Six Nations and leading the British and Irish Lions in New Zealand next 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 head butting Saracens' Jamie George.
Others who will hear their fate on Wednesday include Phil Burleigh (Edinburgh) and James Davies (Scarlets).
Burleigh was sent off by referee, Craig Maxwell-Keys, for striking the Stade Francais' Pascal Papé in the 55th minute of the match in contravention of Law 10.4 (a). He too will hear his fate on Wednesday.
Davies is alleged to have used foul and/or abusive language and to have made an obscene gesture during the first half of his side's match against Toulon in contravention of Law 10.4 (m).
Disciplinary hearings regarding Davit Kubriashvili (Montpellier) and Cyril Baille (Toulouse) have not been finalised yet.
Kubriashvili was issued with a red card during his club's match against Castres Olympique at Altrad Stadium on Sunday, December 11. Kubriashvili was sent off by referee, Ben Whitehouse (Wales), for charging into a ruck in contravention of Law 10.4 (h).
Baille, following his club's match against Zebre at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi on Saturday, December 10 is alleged to have played an opponent without the ball in contravention of Law 10.4 (f).
Agence France-Presse & @ChampionsCup
