Quade Cooper faces three weeks of suspension

Queensland Reds fly-half Quade Cooper has been suspended for three weeks following his red card incident during the recently concluded Super Rugby encounter against Lions at Emirates Airlines Park last weekend.

The Australian international was sent-off in the 47th minute of the game for performing a dangerous tackle on the opponent and had to face a three-man SANZAAR Judicial Committee on Tuesday.

A statement released by the committee said Cooper's action warranted six weeks of suspension but was reduced to half considering mitigating factors and his admission of guilt.

"Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the Player and submissions from his legal representative, Mark Martin QC, the Judicial Committee accepted the guilty plea of the Player under Law 10.4(e) Dangerous tackling of an Opponent," read the statement.

"With respect to sanction the Judicial Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid range entry point of 6 weeks. However, taking into account mitigating factors including the Player's admission of guilt, his remorse and the fact that the Player had a good disciplinary record having not come under notice since 2012, the Judicial Committee reduced the suspension to 3 weeks."

Cooper will be allowed to return to action from 9th April onwards. Cooper's suspension will not be a great news for the Reds, who lost to Lions 44-14 following a four-try performance from Courtnall Skosan.