Sale Sharks' Andrei Ostrikov handed four-week ban

Sale Sharks forward Andrei Ostrikov has been handed a four-week ban following his red-card incident in the recently concluded European Rugby Challenge Cup clash against Bordeaux Begles at Stade Chaban-Delmas.

The 31-year-old was sent off during the 68th minute for striking Jean-Baptiste Dubie in the game Steve Diamond's side went on to win 24-48.

The Russian international appeared before an independent disciplinary committee where he was proved guilty of the charges.

As a result, Ostrikov was suspended for four weeks and will miss the Challenge Cup game against Bordeaux and Premiership games against Bristol, Gloucester and Saracens.

Meanwhile, Bordeaux's Cyril Cazeaux, who was also red-carded in the same game for striking Ostrikov with his knee just before half-time was handed a two-week ban.