Johnson appeal underway without him
March 5, 2002

Martin Johnson's Rugby Football Union appeal hearing got under way on the stroke of 10am today - without the England captain.

Johnson was not required to attend the Twickenham gathering and he exercised that option.

Leicester chief executive Peter Wheeler and director of rugby Dean Richards were in attendance, together with Johnson's high-powered legal team.

The appeal is against the jurisdiction of an RFU disciplinary panel that banned Johnson for three weeks when they assembled in Bristol 12 days ago.

The suspension was handed out after the Leicester skipper pleaded guilty to punching Saracens hooker Robbie Russell in a Premiership game on February 9.

Johnson was summoned by RFU disciplinary officer Robert Horner, even though match referee Dave Pearson opted to sin-bin him and not brandish the red card.

Leicester argue that Johnson had already been dealt with by the match official, and there are fears of a dangerous precedent being set.

The suspension was immediately put on hold though when Leicester appealed, and four hours of the original hearing were taken up by legal arguments.

Today's hearing unfolded in front of judicial barrister David Pannick, QC, who was appointed by the RFU as a single, independent arbitrator.

If Johnson loses the appeal, his ban will probably rule him out of England's next Lloyds TSB Six Nations clash against Wales at Twickenham on March 23.

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