Youngs cops three-week ban
DISCIPLINARY UPDATE: Leicerster Tigers Tom Youngs appeared before an independent disciplinary panel and was handed a three-week suspension.
Youngs was shown a red card by referee Tom Foley in the 56th minute of the match between Leicester Tigers and Exeter Chiefs on Saturday April 6.
The England hooker was charged with contact with Chiefs lock Ollie Atkins’ head in a ruck contrary to Law 9.20(a) – dangerous play in a ruck or maul.
Youngs accepted the charge and was given a three week suspension by the independent panel comprising Philip Evans QC with Richard Whittam QC and Chris Skaife. He is free to play again on May 7 taking into account Leicester Tigers’ upcoming fixtures.
Panel chair Philip Evans QC said: “The player accepted the charge and the facts as alleged including having made contact with his opponent’s head.
“The panel found the appropriate starting point was 6 weeks (mid-range). Given his early plea of guilty, his candid evidence to the panel, obvious remorse, playing record and personal mitigation including off-field mitigating factors, exceptionally, the panel felt able to reduce the period of suspension by three weeks,”
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