Stormers lock Adré Smith has been suspended for eight weeks for an 'act of foul play' committed against Munster's Niall Scannell.
The incident took place in the 45th minute of the URC clash between the clubs at Thomond Park on Saturday night.
Munster skipper Peter O'Mahony alleged to referee Andrew Brace at the time that Scannell had been bitten on the leg, but the match officials could find no video evidence to corroborate the claim on the night.
Reds head coach Johann van Graan said that the province would pursue the matter through the relevant channels and Smith, who was starting his first competitive game for the South African outfit, was subsequently cited under Law 9.12.
A disciplinary hearing took place today video conference and it was decided by a panel comprising of Sheriff Kathrine Mackie, Iain Leslie (both Scotland) and Janet Gedrych (Wales) that there was an act of foul play "which merited a low range entry point", according to a URC statement.
And the statement added: "The player’s previous record and behaviour during the process were considered and mitigation of 30% was applied.
"As a result, the player has been banned for a period of 8 games. He is free to play from midnight on Sunday, February 13 th , 2022."
"The player was reminded of his right to appeal."
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
