BATH'S England and Lions star Danny Grewcock was last night hit by a five-week ban that will sideline him until October 24.
Grewcock was sent off during the Zurich Premiership defeat against Saracens nine days ago.
Referee Steve Leyshon brandished the red card on the advice of his touch judge Ashley Rowden, and Grewcock's reckless use of the boot resulted in Saracens skipper Kyran Bracken suffering a facial cut.
Although Bracken later described the incident as an accident, and a three-man RFU disciplinary panel agreed Grewcock's action was not intentional, a 35-day suspension was still imposed.
It means Grewcock, capped 33 times by England and a Test Lion in Australia last summer, will miss Bath's Premiership appointments with Northampton, Gloucester and Leicester.
On top of that, the Bath captain must also sit out Parker Pen Challenge Cup home and away ties against Italian club Gran Parma.
Crucially though, he will be available for England's November Tests against New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, beginning against the All Blacks on November 9.
He could have received a 12-week suspension or more, but five weeks will feel painful enough at this early stage of the season given his recent appointment as Bath's leader.
Grewcock attended last night's hearing near Coventry, accompanied by Bath rugby director Jack Rowell and club solicitor Thomas Sheppard.
Grewcock left the hearing, which lasted almost three hours, without making comment, but the Bath club released a statement which read: "We are clearly very disappointed at the decision, which clearly recognises that the kick was unintentional and that Danny did not intend to cause any harm to Kyran Bracken.
"Careful consideration will need to be given as to whether Danny should appeal against this decision."
Leeds centre Japie Mulder has left the club by mutual agreement after suffering a neck injury in pre-season. The South African World Cup-winner will return home for treatment.
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