Edinburgh hooker suspended

Edinburgh hooker Aleki Lutui has been handed a two-week suspension for a dangerous tackle during the Pro12 game against Ospreys last Saturday.

Lutui appeared before an independent Pro12 disciplinary committee comprised of Pat Barriscale (Ireland, chair), Achille Reali (Italy) and David Hurley (Ireland), having been cited for the infringement during Edinburgh’s 10-44 defeat at Liberty Stadium.

The disciplinary committee upheld the citing complaint, finding that the Tongan international had committed the act of foul play and that it had warranted a red card.

The disciplinary committee were satisfied, however, that the offending had been reckless rather than intentional, and having heard evidence and submissions from Lutui and his representative, categorised the offending as being at the lower end of the scale of seriousness.

That represented an entry point sanction of a two-week suspension. Following submissions in relation to aggravating and mitigating factors, the disciplinary committee determined that the appropriate sanction would be a two-week suspension.

Lutui is thus free to play from Monday, October 7, and has the right of appeal.