Declan Danaher, the London Irish flanker (No 7), appeared before an independent Disciplinary Committee in Dublin today (Thursday, 31 January).

The citing was from the Round 6 Heineken Cup Pool 1 match against Benetton Treviso at Stadio Comunale di Monigo on Saturday, 19 January, 2008.

The citing lodged by the Citing Commissioner for the match, Russell Howell (Wales), was for alleged stamping / trampling on Benetton Treviso lock Cornelius van Zyl (No 5) in contravention of Law 10.4 (b).

The independent Disciplinary Committee was chaired by Paul Mauriac (France) and also comprised Peter Brown (Scotland) and George Spotswood (Ireland).

Mr. Danaher admitted foul play in that he had stamped on Cornelius van Zyl.

After considering the evidence available, the independent Disciplinary Committee determined that the offence was of mid range in the level of seriousness.

Having taken into account any mitigating and aggravating factors the Committee suspended the player for a period of three (3) weeks from today (Thursday, 31 January) up to and including Thursday, 21 February, 2008.

Both parties have the right to appeal.