LONDON: Irish international lock Paul O’Connell lost his appeal against a four-week ban for striking an opponent during a European Cup clash on Thursday.
The Munster forward, who captained the British and Irish Lions in South Africa last year, was sent off for lashing out at Ospreys’ number eight Jonathan Thomas on Dec 12.
A three-man appeals panel found that O’Connell, who was red-carded in his comeback match following a groin injury, had not demonstrated the original decision had been in error or that it should be overturned or varied, and therefore dismissed the appeal.
O’Connell can play again from Jan 10.
He will miss Munster’s next three Celtic League games, but will be available for the twice-European champions’ final two European Cup pool games away to Toulon and at home against London Irish.
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