Munster player Paul O'Connell has today (Wednesday, 22 December, 2010) lodged an appeal against both the finding of foul play and the four-week suspension imposed by an independent Disciplinary Hearing last Thursday (16 December, 2010) as a result of the red card he received during the Heineken Cup Pool 3 match against the Ospreys at Thomond Park on Sunday, 12 December, 2010.
At the hearing, the independent Judicial Officer, HHJ Jeff Blackett (England), upheld the red card and determined that the act had been deliberate but that there had been no intention to injure.
The appeal will be heard tomorrow (Thursday, 23 December, 2010) by conference call. The independent Appeal Committee will be chaired by Professor Lorne Crerar (Scotland) and will also comprise Rod McKenzie (Scotland) and Simon Thomas (Wales).
