European Rugby Champions Cup
Bardy gets five-week ban for striking Vunipola
ESPN Staff
October 23, 2014
Julien Bardy will miss European clashes against Sale and Munster while he serves his ban © Getty Images
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Clermont Auvergne forward Julien Bardy has received a five-week ban for striking Saracens and England number eight Billy Vunipola with his knee during last Saturday's European Champions Cup clash at Allianz Park.

Tournament organisers said Bardy, who was cited for the offence, pleaded guilty during an independent disciplinary hearing held in Dublin on Thursday.

In a statement, European Professional Club Rugby said: "In upholding the citing complaint, the judicial officer determined that the offence warranted a red card and that it was in the mid-range [eight weeks] of the IRB [International Rugby Board] sanctions for offences of this nature.

"As there were no aggravating factors, he reduced the suspension by three weeks due to the player's guilty plea, his clean record and good conduct and remorse during the hearing.

"The five-week suspension will run over a seven-week term as the judicial officer chose to take into account two weeks during the period when the player would not have played.

"Bardy is therefore free to play on Monday, December 8."

Among the games Bardy will miss are Sunday's Champions Cup match against Sale Sharks, plus the Champions Cup trip to Munster in early December.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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