Sunday 2 July 2017 13:07, UK
Sean O'Brien is in danger of missing the third Lions Test against New Zealand after he was cited for a swinging arm offence against All Blacks winger Waisake Naholo.
The incident occurred in the 59th minute of Saturday's 24-21 Lions victory against New Zealand in Wellington, and no action was taken at the time by referee Jerome Garces, who did review the incident with his TMO.
Citing commissioner Scott Nowland deemed the offence "to have met the threshold for a red card" within the 12-hour window, however, and O'Brien will learn his fate later on Sunday.
The 30-year-old Ireland international has been one of Warren Gatland's strongest performers on tour. His hearing begins at 8pm New Zealand time, which is 9am UK and Irish time.
Winger Naholo went off for a Head Injury Assessment (HIA) for concussion, which he subsequently failed after the altercation.
"British & Irish Lions loose forward Sean O'Brien has been cited for dangerous play during the second Test of the DHL NZ Lions Series, held at Westpac Stadium, Wellington," a statement read.
"Citing Commissioner Scott Nowland [Australia] has cited O'Brien under law 10.4 (a) for allegedly striking All Blacks winger Waisake Naholo with a swinging arm. The citing commissioner said the incident, in the 19th minute of the second half, is deemed to have met the threshold for a red card.
"A judicial panel consisting of Adam Casselden (AUS), David Croft (AUS), and John Langford (AUS), will hear the case tonight at 8pm, at the New Zealand Rugby offices."
