14 weeks suspension for Andy Hazell

Gloucester flanker Andy Hazell has been suspended for 14 weeks following an independent Disciplinary Hearing in Dublin today.
Hazell was shown a red card in the 55th minute of their Amlin Cup round 1 trip to Mont-de-Marsan for striking replacement prop Sebastien Ormaechea.
Roger Morris, the independent Judicial Officer heard evidence and submissions from Hazell, who pleaded guilty to striking Ormaechea, Gloucester director of rugby Nigel Davies and ERC Disciplinary Officer Roger O’Connor.
The Judicial Officer determined that Hazell had intentionally struck Ormaechea with both the fist and the knee. Having also determined that any suspensions he would impose for the offences would run concurrently, and as striking with the knee carries greater penalties than striking with the fist under the IRB Recommended Sanctions for Offences Committed with the Playing Enclosure, the Judicial Officer decided on a top-end entry point of 16 weeks.
Taking into account aggravating factors, he added a further two weeks given Hazell’s disciplinary record and his failure to uphold the image of the game. Then following consideration of Hazell’s guilty plea and his exemplary conduct during the hearing, the Judicial Officer deducted four weeks before imposing a suspension of 14 weeks.
Hazell will be free to play on Monday, 21 January 2013. Both ERC and the player have the right to appeal the decision.
Watch the video of the incident below.