A RUGBY Football Union Disciplinary Panel met in Liverpool tonight (April 11, 2011) to consider the citing of Sale Sharks player Mark Cueto, who was reported by independent citing officer Matt Bayliss for making contact with the eye or eye area of an opponent contrary to Law 10(4)(m) during the Aviva Premiership match against Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens on April 2, 2011.

At the hearing Cueto did not contest the citing and he was suspended for nine weeks. The suspension runs from April 4 to June 6, 2011 and he can resume playing on June 7, 2011. The panel decided that this was a mid-entry offence, which attracts a ban of 18 weeks, but because of the player’s compelling mitigation he received the full 50 per cent discount.

Antony Davies, chaired the panel, which also comprised Clif Barker and David MacInnes.

The player has the right of appeal.