Lions' star flanker Emmanuel Tshituka cops three-week suspension

On Tuesday, flanker Emmanuel Tshituka was suspended for three weeks after being shown a straight red card during the Lions' Challenge Cup round of 16 match against Racing 92 in Johannesburg on Saturday.

The incident, which occurred in the 18th minute of the game, saw Tshituka lead with a raised arm as he looked to absorb Louis Dupichot's oncoming tackle, making contact with his head.

An independent disciplinary hearing was held, and the EPCR issued a press release on behalf of the disciplinary committee, stating that the red card decision was upheld.

The committee determined that Tshituka had committed a reckless act of foul play, which constituted a mid-range offense. Consequently, the appropriate entry point was six weeks.

However, the committee took into account Tshituka's clean disciplinary record and his prompt apology to Dupichot. They reduced his sanction by three weeks, ultimately imposing a three-week suspension.

Tshituka will be available to play again on Monday, April 24, unless he applies for and completes a World Rugby Coaching Intervention, in which case his availability will be seven days earlier.