Gloucester wing Matt Banahan handed three-week suspension

Gloucester Rugby winger Matt Banahan has been handed a three-week suspension following his red-card incident in the recently concluded Gallagher Premiership game against Harlequins.

The 34-year-old was sent-off by referee Ian Tempest for a dangerous tackle on Harlequins winger Tyrone Green in the 69th minute following which Banahan needed medical treatment.

Thanks for all the messages luckily the @gloucesterrugby medic department are world class. If someone says how do you remember your possible last ever game I will say ‘’ who knows’’ pic.twitter.com/HWOyLlCQX7

— matt banahan (@mattbanahan1) March 20, 2021

Banahan appeared before a three-person independent disciplinary panel comprising Philip Evans QC (chair) with Tony Wheat and Rob Vickerman and was accepted guilty of breaching World Rugby Law 9.13 that deals with dangerous tackle.

The panel deemed Banahan's act warranted a red-card and was initially handed a six-week ban that was reduced by 50% taking into account the mitigating factors. The independent disciplinary committee also said that the ex-England winger's ban will not automatically start this weekend as he is currently undergoing a Head Injury Assessment and a decision will be made based on his medical reports.

“The player accepted the charge of dangerous tackling. Having considered all matters set out in regulation 19.11.8 the panel concluded that this offence just remained within the mid-range entry point for sanction.

"The starting point is therefore 6 weeks. The player had no offences recorded for a significant period, he pleaded guilty to the charge and presented other positive mitigation to the panel.

"As a result of all of his mitigation the panel felt able to reduce his sanction to 3 weeks. The panel will consider when that suspension will be served once further updated medical evidence has been received.”

Gutted to be banned for 3 weeks but laws are laws, genuinely thinking what is opening up soon to keep me busy ?? pic.twitter.com/2AQwBO6yRw

— matt banahan (@mattbanahan1) March 24, 2021