Raphael Ibanez, the London Wasps hooker (No 2), appeared before an independent Disciplinary Committee in Dublin today (Thursday, 24 January, 2008).
The hearing was as a result of a citing arising from the Round 5 Heineken Cup Pool 5 match against Llanelli Scarlets at Adams Park on Sunday, 13 January, 2008.
The citing lodged by the Citing Commissioner for the match, Peter Brown (Scotland), was for alleged stamping / trampling on Llanelli Scarlets flanker Simon Easterby (No 7) in contravention of Law 10.4 (b).
The independent Disciplinary Committee was chaired by Mark McParland (Ireland) and also comprised Hugh Logan (Ireland) and Simon Thomas (Wales).
The Disciplinary Committee found Mr Ibenez guility of foul play in that he had stamped on Mr Easterby.
After considering the evidence available, the independent Disciplinary Committee determined that the offence was of mid range in the level of seriousness. Having taken into account any mitigating and aggravating factors the Committee suspended the player for a period of four (4) weeks from today (Thursday, 24 January) up to and including Thursday, 21 February, 2008
Both parties have the right to appeal.