Leicester Tigers' Kyle Eastmond handed four-week ban

Leicester Tigers centre Kyle Eastmond has been handed a four-week ban following his red-card incident during the recently concluded Gallagher Premiership clash against Bristol Rugby at Ashton Gate last weekend.

Eastmond was sent-off during the 25th minute in the game against Bristol for a high tackle on Ian Madigan and the decision proved costly for Leicester Tigers as they succumbed to a 41-10 defeat.

The 29-year-old appeared before an independent disciplinary committee in Coventry on Tuesday where he was proved guilty of breaching Law 9.13.

Panel chair John Brennan said Eastmond could not be given full 50% mitigation because he was sanctioned for a similar high tackle incident last year.

“The player accepted the charge and accepted through his representative that the entry point was mid-range due to there being direct contact to the head of the opponent," he said.

“The panel acknowledged his plea, his remorse for the incident and his apology but could not give the player full mitigation of 50% due to his having been sanctioned for dangerous tackling last season.

“As such, the entry point was reduced by two weeks rather than three.”

Leicester Tigers are currently positioned eighth in the table with three wins from nine games.