Brad Barritt banned for three weeks but Richard Barrington's red card rescinded

by Frank Nickson Wednesday 11 January 2017

Saracens captain Brad Barritt, pictured, has been disciplined by the RFU with a three-week suspension

©PA

Saracens centre Brad Barritt has been handed over a three-week ban for a dangerous tackle on Geoff Parling, whereas team mate Richard Barrington, deemed guilty of the offence at the time and shown a red card, was cleared of charges.

Barritt and Barrington were both cited for a dangerous tackle which knocked out Exeter's Geoff Parling.

Barritt got away for his offence with a sanction but Barrington was sent off by referee Ian Tempest.

The two appeared before a Rugby Football Union disciplinary panel in London on Tuesday.

A statement from RFU disciplinary chiefs said: "Following very careful analysis, the panel found that Mr Barrington had not committed the act of foul play alleged.

“The incident arose out of the specific dynamic of Mr Parling falling unconscious into what would have otherwise been a legitimate contact by Mr Barrington.

"In line with the new sanctions a mid-range entry of six weeks was imposed on Mr Barritt reduced to three weeks in light of mitigation including his guilty plea."

Barritt, Sarries captain and a 26-times capped England centre, took to Twitter on Monday to publicly apologized to former Red Rose team mate Parling on Monday.