Red card decisions and hearings following Round 4 of the Heineken and Amlin Challenge Cup on the weekend.

RED CARD DECISION

Sailosi Tagicakibau, the London Irish player (No 11), received a red card during the Heineken Cup Pool 3 match against Toulon at Stade Felix-Mayol on Saturday, 18 December, 2010, as a result of receiving two yellow cards.

An independent Judicial Officer, Roger Morris (Wales), considered the matter today (Tuesday, 21 December) and has determined that the sending-off was a sufficient sanction. Mr Tagicakibau is free to play.

RED CARD HEARINGS

Two independent Disciplinary Hearings will be held tomorrow (Wednesday, 22 December, 2001) as a result of red cards issued in ERC matches last weekend.

Xavier Rush, the Cardiff Blues player (No 8) received a red card during the Heineken Cup Pool 1 match against Northampton Saints at Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday, 19 December, 2010.

The red card was issued in the 55th minute of the second half by referee Jerome Garces (France) for a dangerous tackle above the line of the shoulders on Northampton Saints lock Courtney Lawes (No 4) in contravention of Law 10.4 (e).

The hearing will be held in Bristol and the independent Judicial Officer appointed for the hearing is Christopher Quinlan (England).

Law 10.4 (e) Dangerous tackle - A player must not tackle an opponent early, late or dangerously

Under the IRB Recommended Sanctions for Offences Committed within the Playing Enclosure, Law 10.4 (e) – Dangerous tackle carries the following penalties:
Lower End: 2 weeks
Middle Range: 6 weeks
Top End: 10+ weeks
Maximum Sanction: 52 weeks

Vincent Roux, the La Rochelle player (No 12), received a red card during the Amlin Challenge Cup Pool 5 match against Gloucester Rugby at Kingsholm on Sunday, 19 December, 2010.

The red card was issued in the 74th minute of the second half by referee Leighton Hodges (Wales) as a result of two yellow cards being issued to the player in the 60th minute for punching and in the 73rd minute for a deliberate knock-on.

The independent Judicial Officer appointed for the video / telephone conference call hearing is Roger Morris (Wales).