Pro12: Fitzpatrick gets off lightly

Ulster tighthead prop, Declan Fitzpatrick has been given a one week suspension following the red card he received in the match against Zebre on Saturday.

Fitzpatrick appeared before an independant disciplinary committee after he was given his marching orders in the 11th minute for striking an opponent.

The Committee, chaired by Simon Thomas, along with Terry Vaux and Robert Williams, found the incident to be at the lower end of the IRB sanctions and carries a two-week suspension.

However, in the absence of any aggravating factors and in light of several compelling mitigating factors, including the player's exemplary previous playing record, the Committee applied a one-week reduction from the entry point which resulted in the player being suspended from playing for one week.

Fitzpatrick is free to resume playing from Monday, October 6 and has the right to appeal the findings.