Dupuy Guilty Of Eye Gouge

Julien Dupuy, the Stade Francais Paris scrum half (No 9), appeared at an independent Disciplinary Hearing in Dublin today (Friday,18 December, 2009), as a result of a citing arising from the Heineken Cup Pool 4 match against Ulster Rugby at Ravenhill, Belfast, on Saturday, 12 December, 2009.

The citing lodged by the Citing Commissioner for the match, Tony Lanaway (England), was for alleged contact with the eye / eye area of Ulster player Stephen Ferris (No 6) in contravention of Law 10.4 (l).

After considering the evidence, the independent Judicial Officer, HH Judge Jeff Blackett (England), determined that Julien Dupuy was guilty of foul play in contravention of Law 10.4 (l) in that he made contact with the eye / eye area of Ulster Rugby player Stephen Ferris (No 6)

The Judicial Officer found that it was at the top end in the level of seriousness for an offence of this type. Having taken into account any mitigating and aggravating factors the independent Judicial Officer suspended the player for a period of 24 weeks running up to and including 3 June, 2010.

Daniel "Pitchside" Pitcher Twitter: @DanFM104Sport About: Dan "Pitchside" Pitcher provides insight and commentary as the chief soccer and rugby correspondent for Sportspeak.