Rugby:Ireland loosehead prop Cian Healy has been cited for alleged stamping against England's Dan Cole in Sunday's Six Nations defeat at the Aviva Stadium. The alleged incident took place in the 14th minute of the first half after England had brought down an Ireland maul following a lineout win.
Independent citing commissioner Alberto Recaldini of Italy made the decision and Healy will face an independent Six Nations disciplinary committee in London on Wednesday afternoon for an “alleged act of foul play is contrary to Law 10.4 (b).”
If found guilty of the charge, Healy can expect a minimum ban of two weeks, which is the low end entry point sanction. The mid-range is five weeks plus and the top end is nine weeks plus.
England took exception to the incident and a large brawl erupted, although referee Jerome Garces failed to spot what ignited the flare-up and Healy evaded punishment on the pitch.
A two-week ban would rule the Leinster man out of Ireland’s next Six Nations assignment against Scotland on February 24th, while a lengthier would also threaten his involvement against France and Italy.
England under-20 backrow Ross Moriarty will also attend he meeting, having been cited for a tip tackle on Ireland scrumhalf Luke McGrath during last Friday’s game in Athlone. Moriarty received a red card for the foul.
Secondrow Mike McCarthy is doubtful for the game away to Scotland on Sunday week after straining the medial ligament in his right knee. The Connacht player will see a specialist this week for further review.
Jonathan Sexton is also doubtful for the trip to Murrayfield, although the encouraging news for the Leinster outhalf is that a scan showed up a strain and not a tear in his hamstring.
Winger Simon Zebo is definitely ruled out for the remainder of the championship after undergoing surgery today on the fracture to the fifth metatarsal in his right foot. The Munster player is expected to be sidelined for between eight to 10 weeks.
Brian O’Driscoll (right ankle) and Donnacha Ryan (back) are also due to see a specialist this week for further review, but neither are ruled out of the game against Scotland at this point.
Rob Kearney is recovering well after suffering a dead leg, while Seán O’Brien came off with a tight hamstring and will be monitored throughout the week.
