An independent Disciplinary Committee convened in London today (Thursday, 23 October), to hear a citing complaint against Benjamin de Jager, the Benetton Treviso centre (No 13)...
... arising from the Round 2 Heineken Cup Pool 3 match against Leicester Tigers at Stadio Comunale di Monigo on Saturday, 18 October, 2008.
The citing lodged by the Citing Commissioner for the match, Geraint Edwards (Wales), was for an alleged strike with the head of Leicester Tigers player Marco Wentzel (No 4) in contravention of Law 10.4 (a).
The independent Disciplinary Committee was chaired by HHJ Jeff Blackett (England) and also comprised Dr Barry O'Driscoll (Ireland) and Mr Robert Horner (England).
After considering the evidence available, the independent Disciplinary Committee found that Mr de Jager was guilty of foul play in that he had struck Marco Wentzel with his head in contravention of Law 10.4 (a).
The Committee determined that the offence was of the low-end in the level of seriousness. Having taken into account any mitigating and aggravating factors the Committee suspended the player for a period of two (2) weeks running up to and including Wednesday, 5 November 2008.
Both parties have the right to appeal.
