Six Nations
Healy banned for Scotland and France clashes
ESPN Staff
February 13, 2013
Ireland prop Cian Healy does his best to shrug off an Argentinian tackler. Ireland v Argentina, Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland, November 24, 2012
Cian Healy could return in Ireland's final Six Nations clash with Italy © PA Photos
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Ireland prop Cian Healy has been suspended for three weeks after being found guilty of stamping on England's Dan Cole during their Six Nations clash in Dublin on Sunday.

The 25-year-old was cited in the wake of his side's 12-6 defeat at the Aviva Stadium after replays showed him treading on Cole's ankle. The incident was missed by referee Jerome Garces but the loose-head will now miss Ireland's games against Scotland and France.

An independent disciplinary committee decided that Healy's actions should be categorised as a mid-range offence in terms of seriousness, which carries a sanction of five weeks. The committee also allowed the maximum two weeks of mitigation, but by handing down a suspension of three weeks, recognised the player would not have played for his province this weekend and the ban will therefore end at midnight on Sunday, March 10.

The recommended suspension for a low-end stamping offence is two weeks, rising to five weeks for a mid-range incident and nine weeks up to a maximum of one year for something more serious.

Healy has the right to appeal the ban, which will come as a fresh blow to Ireland coach Declan Kidney. He has already lost the services of winger Simon Zebo for up to 10 weeks with a broken foot, while fly-half Jonathan Sexton is struggling with a hamstring injury.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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