Ex-referee appalled at leniency of Dan Sheehan ban for Lions foul play

Not a good look....

Dan Sheehan's reputation as the world's best hooker was cemented during the recent Lions series in Australia, showing a rounded game with no weaknesses, and a knack for showing up in the biggest of games.

However, his Tour has ended on a sour note, with the Leinster man banned for four matches after being cited for a reckless clear out on Australia's Tom Lynagh, which left the out-half with a concussion.

The punishment has also been heavily criticised for being too lenient.

Provided Sheehan goes to 'tackle school', the ban will be reduced to three weeks, and three games will remarkably include a pre-season friendly, as well as two URC matches, which are all fixtures that he would not have been playing in regardless.

Writing in his Irish Times column, former referee Owen Doyle was critical of the outcome.

He said: "Sheehan was correctly cited, although he didn’t think it was correct or that he had even committed an act of foul play. That viewpoint is as nonsensical as his dangerous action. His non-acceptance of the charge resulted in a lost week of mitigation, and, subject to him completing a coaching intervention course, he will serve a meagre three-match ban, instead of a paltry two.

"Imagine the furore if Finn Russell had been forced off in similar circumstances, and the perpetrator denied any wrongdoing. The uproar would have been totally justified; as is Australian anger on this occasion.

"The suspension is once again too light. How often is it necessary to repeat the words – sub-concussive head knocks, concussion, dementia, chronic traumatic encephalopathy – before those sitting at the high table decide that deterrent-level sentences are necessary."