Wednesday 8 November 2017 10:03, UK
England winger Jermaine McGillvary has been cleared of biting Lebanon captain Robbie Farah.
The Huddersfield player was facing a ban of up to 12 weeks had he been found guilty of a charge of contrary conduct, but he was exonerated at a World Cup disciplinary hearing, which was held via video link from Sydney.
It means McGillvary will be free to play in England's final group match against France at Perth's Rectangular Stadium on Sunday.
The incident was reported by referee Ben Thaler after Farah complained that he had been bitten on the arm in the second minute of England's 29-10 win in Sydney, but McGillvary was not penalised during the game.
McGillvary was seen mouthing to referee Thaler as soon as Farah made his complaint, "you know I'm not that kind of person".
Speaking after the hearing, McGillvary said: "I fully understand the match review process and am grateful for a fair and balanced hearing.
"I'm pleased this is over and can now fully focus on doing my best for England for the remainder of the World Cup."
England coach Wayne Bennett sat alongside McGillvary throughout the hearing and his availability for the rest of the tournament is a huge boost for the team after he impressed in both games so far.
The 29-year-old was awarded man of the match after scoring England's only points in the 18-4 defeat by Australia in Melbourne and got another try against Lebanon to take his total to seven in eight appearances.
It is the second biting allegation of the World Cup. Wales prop Ben Evans made the accusation against Papua New Guinea's Wellington Albert during the first weekend of the tournament but the case was not proven.
