Wednesday 25 October 2017 17:39, UK
Harlequins and England prop Joe Marler has been banned for three weeks after pleading guilty to striking during Sunday's Champions Cup defeat to Wasps.
The front rower will therefore miss England's first two autumn internationals, against Argentina (11 November) and Australia (18 November).
Marler pleaded guilty to striking Wasps lock Will Rowlands during Sunday's 41-10 loss in Coventry.
And tournament organisers European Professional Club Rugby said in a statement: "The committee upheld the citing complaint and determined that the offence had warranted a red card, but decided after consideration that the strike by the player was with the arm rather than the elbow.
"In deciding that Marler is suspended until midnight on Sunday, November 19, the Committee took into account the player's likely playing commitments in the coming weeks.
"Both Marler and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision."
Marler has featured regularly for England since making his debut in 2012 and has been capped 51 times.
However, he twice served suspensions in 2016 and subsequently sat out the summer tour to Australia, saying: "A short rest will really help me recharge my batteries, so I can start next season with the energy and focus that's needed to perform at the highest level."
Also, Quins' Dave Ward has been suspended for three weeks after he was cited for striking Wasps' Thomas Young at the Ricoh Arena.
Watch Eddie Jones' squad announcement live on Sky Sports News at 9am on Thursday, October 26.
