Paul O'Connell Red Card

The red card was issued to O'Connell in the 69thminute of the second half by referee Christophe Berdos (France) for striking the Ospreys player Jonathan Thomas (No 8) in contravention of Law 10.4 (a).

The independent Judicial Officer appointed for the hearing, which will commence at 9.30 pm, is HHJ Jeff Blackett (England).
Law 10.4 (a) Striking - A player must not strike an opponent.

Notes
(i) Red Cards
a) The case of any player sent off in the Heineken Cup or Amlin Challenge Cup game shall be adjudicated by an independent Judicial Officer as soon as is practicable.
b) Until the hearing the player is ineligible to play in any tournament.

(ii) Independent Disciplinary Hearing
a) The independent Judicial Officer 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 Hearing. Appeals must be lodged within 72 hours of receiving the full written decision of the independent Judicial Officer.
c) The full written decision of the independent Judicial Officer will be available on www.ercrugby.com/disciplinenews when the disciplinary process is complete.
d) For IRB recommmended santions for offences committed within the playing enclosure, Law 10.4 (a), go to www.irb.com