Calvisano forward Ben Gissing and Munster forward Alan Quinlan have received suspensions of two and six weeks respectively.

BEN GISSING HEINEKEN CUP ROUND 3 CITING

Ben Gissing, the Rugby Calvisano forward, appeared before an independent Disciplinary Committee in Dublin today (Wednesday, 20 December), as a result of a citing arising from the Round 3 Heineken Cup Pool 3 match against the Ospreys at Centro Sportivo San Michele on Saturday, 9 December, 2006.

The independent Disciplinary Committee, chaired by Christopher Quinlan (England) and also comprising Bruce Reece-Russel (England) and Caleb Powell (Ireland), found the player guilty of striking an opponent and suspended Mr Gissing for 14 days up to and including 2 January, 2007.

As the match was not televised live a Citing Commissioner was not in operation. The player was cited by the Ospreys and after a review of the alleged punching incident by the independent Citing Officer he ruled the player should be subject to a disciplinary hearing in contravention of Law 10.4 (a).

Law 10.4 (a) Punching or striking: A player must not strike an opponent with the fist or arm, including the elbow, shoulder, head or knee(s).

ALAN QUINLAN HEINEKEN CUP ROUND 4 CITING

Alan Quinlan, the Munster back row forward, appeared before an independent Disciplinary Committee in Dublin today (Wednesday, 20 December), as a result of a citing arising from the Round 4 Heineken Cup Pool 4 match against Cardiff Blues at Thomond Park on Saturday, 16 December, 2006.

The citing lodged by the Citing Commissioner for the match, Alan Mansell (England), was for alleged stamping - contravention of Law 10.4 (b).

The independent Disciplinary Committee was chaired by Christopher Quinlan (England) and also comprised Bruce Reece-Russel (England) and Iain Goodall (Scotland).

Following an admission of guilt by the player, the Committee upheld the citing for stamping and determined the appropriate period of suspension as being a period of six (6) weeks to run from today (Wednesday, 20 December) up to and including 30 January, 2007.

Law 10.4 (b) - Stamping or trampling: A player must not stamp or trample on an opponent.

Both parties were advised of their right to appeal.