Heineken Cup: Tom James suspended for two weeks
An independent Disciplinary Committee convened in Dublin today (Thursday, 22 January), to consider if any further action was required following the sending-off of Tom James, the Cardiff Blues wing (No 11), in the Heineken Cup Round 5 Pool 6 match against Gloucester Rugby at Kingsholm on Sunday, 18 January, 2009.
The player was sent off by Irish referee Alan Lewis in the 27th minute for striking an opponent with his head.
The independent Disciplinary Committee was chaired by Rod McKenzie (Scotland) and also comprised Jean-Etienne Bernard (France) and George Spotswood (Ireland).
After considering the evidence available, the independent Disciplinary Committee determined that the offence was at the low-end of the level of seriousness for a strike with the head.
Having taken into account any mitigating and aggravating factors the independent Disciplinary Committee suspended the player for a period of two (2) weeks from the date of the match up to and including Sunday, 1 February, 2009.
Both parties have the right to appeal.
