An independent Disciplinary Committee will be convened in Dublin on Thursday, 22 January to consider if any further action is required following the sending-off of Tom James, the Cardiff Blues wing (No 11)...
... in the Heineken Cup Round 5 Pool 6 match against Gloucester Rugby at Kingsholm on Sunday, 18 January, 2009.
The player was sent off by Irish referee Alan Lewis in the 27th minute for striking an opponent with his head.
The independent Disciplinary Committee will be chaired by Rod McKenzie (Scotland) and will also comprise Jean-Etienne Bernard (France) and George Spotswood (IRFU).
Notes to Editors
(i) Red Cards
a) The case of any player sent off in the Heineken Cup or European Challenge Cup game shall be adjudicated by an independent Disciplinary Committee as soon as is practicable.
b) Until the hearing the player is ineligible to play in any tournament.
(ii) Independent Disciplinary Committee
a) The independent Disciplinary Committee is chosen by the Chairman of the independent Disciplinary Panel, Professor Lorne Crerar.
b) Both parties to the hearing (ERC and the player) have the right to appeal decisions of the independent Disciplinary Committee. Appeals must be lodged within 72 hours of receiving the full written decision from the Chairman of the independent Disciplinary Committee
c) The full written decision of the independent Disciplinary Committee will be available on www.ercrugby.com/disciplinenews when the disciplinary process is complete
