Thursday 29 January 2015 14:15, UK
Wasps back row Ashley Johnson has been suspended for three weeks for a dangerous tackle on Leinster winger Dave Kearney.
A disciplinary hearing in Dublin handed Johnson the ban after he was cited for the tackle during the European Champions Cup game at the Ricoh Arena on Saturday, January 24.
Back-rower Johnson was sin-binned after just 24 seconds of Wasps' 20-20 Champions Cup draw with Leinster in Coventry last weekend.
The three-cap South Africa flanker escaped a red card despite upending the airborne wing Kearney, who landed awkwardly and damaged his shoulder.
Johnson, who pleaded guilty to the offence, was shown a yellow card by referee Jerome Garces but the Judicial Officer determined that the offence was reckless and warranted a red card.
The offence was deemed to be in the mid-range (six weeks) of World Rugby's sanctions for offences of this nature, but as there were no aggravating factors, the suspension was reduced by the maximum amount of three weeks due to the player's guilty plea, remorse, good conduct during the hearing and clean disciplinary record.
The 28-year-old loose-forward will miss Wasps' LV= Cup contests against Cardiff Blues and Northampton Saints, and the Aviva Premiership home clash with Harlequins.
