O'Connell banned for four weeks

The 2009 British & Irish Lions skipper was sent off in the 69th minute of his side's 22-16 triumph at Thomond Park by French referee Christophe Berdos for using his arm against Ospreys forward Jonathan Thomas.

Although O'Connell pleaded not guilty to the charge, HHJ Jeff Blackett (England) upheld the dismissal and applied a four week sanction.

It means the Irish international will miss Saturday's return match with the Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium, but will be available for rounds five and six next month. He will also miss three Magners League matches before being able to return to action from 9 January, 2011.

After the hearing the Munster team manager, Shaun Payne, said the club would wait until they recieved the full judgement before deciding whether or not to launch an appeal.