IT'S A HARD HIT FOR DAN

Defiant Lions star Sheehan slammed with fourgame ban for 'reckless' tackle in Sydney Test

- BY DEREK FOLEY

DAN SHEEHAN has been suspended by World Rugby following a hotly-contested disciplinary hearing in the aftermath of the third Australia-Lions test.

Sheehan denied there had been any foul play at the ruck where he made contact with Tom Lynagh, further stating he did not feel he warranted getting cited.

But he was harshly rebuked in a guilty verdict that saw his actions labelled 'reckless, with a 'high degree of danger' so much that 'no mitigation' applied.

The committee went as far as to refuse Sheehan the 50 per cent mitigation normally applicable to non-serial offenders.

The Lions/Ireland/Leinster star has never received a yellow or a red card in the professional game but only gained an initial 33 per cent reduction.

The upshot is the hooker was initially given six weeks that was reduced to four with the opportunity for another week to be taken off should he attend 'tackle school'.

Sheehan has indicated he accepted the verdict and is not expected to launch an appeal.

The charge was the result of a poor decision as well as poor technique from Sheehan and, noted Joe Schmidt, raises questions about the levels of safety in the professional game.