Northampton hooker Dylan Hartley has been ruled out of the upcoming Lions Tour following an 11 week ban for yesterday’s red card at Twickenham.
By Declan Whooley
The controversial hooker became the first player to be sent off in a Premiership final in yesterday’s defeat to Leicester for calling referee Wayne Barnes a “fu**ing cheat”.
Judge Blackett at today’s hearing was adamant in his condemnation of Hartleys actions yesterday and issued a 12 week ban, reduced by one week for his conduct at court.
“Calling a referee a cheat is an attack on his integrity and contrary to core values of rugby and therefore we have taken a serious view and provided a serious sanction,” he said.
Hartley has the right to appeal, but it now appears that the door is open for Ulster captain Rory Best to join the squad before they jet off for for Hong Kong for the opening clash with the Barbarians.
Best was considered very unlucky to miss out the first time round and now he looks in pole position to join to squad as a replacement.
Better late than never.
UPDATE: Rory Best has thankfully been called up to the squad. Thankfully Gatland was forced to come to his senses!
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