ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Paul O'Connell red card for swinging arm on Jonathan Thomas

BY Grant Constable  ·  Monday Dec 13, 2010

Munsters Paul OConnell saw red within a few minutes of returning to Heineken Cup rugby last night, after a lengthy injury layoff had resigned him to the side lines for six months. The return to action, and the 22-16 win over the Ospreys, was marred though by his swinging arm on Jonathan Thomas.

British & Irish Lions captain OConnell will face a disciplinary hearing sometime this week that will determine whether or not he receives further punishment after receiving the card for lashing out at Thomas, who was holding him from behind.

The experienced second rower had his back to Thomas and while he pleaded his innocence to referee Christophe Berdos, he unfortunately did catch the Ospreys forward quite badly in the face, causing him to slump to his knees. It didnt seem malicious, but was reckless, so youd think that will play probably play in OConnells favour when it comes to the hearing.

If things dont go well for him though, he could find himself missing the start of the Six Nations, which kicks off in just eight weeks time. Munster coach Tony McGahan said after the match theyll let the process take place and deal with the outcome then.

“We only had a brief look at it. We really havent looked at in depth enough to give any real comment. I suppose we saw what everyone else saw, a holding onto the jersey, a reaction towards that.

“Well have to let the process take its course and well abide by whatever decision is given.”

Ospreys forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys said that OConnell is not a dirty player, but he will likely miss a large chunk of the season.

“A similar thing happened to Gavin Henson for a similar incident and unfortunately he got 10 weeks for that,” added Humphreys, hinting that O’Connell will be out for some time.

What’s your opinion on the red card, and do you think he’ll get a hefty suspension?

ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles

  • 32 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji Drua player Lomani slapped with ban...

  • 42 WEEKS AGO

    The sending off that rocked the Six Nations...

  • 42 WEEKS AGO

    Wrecking ball beats 10 players to score full...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 6 DAYS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    South African school boy makes the greatest tackle ever

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

View All

Funnies

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

View All

Amateur

  • 97 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 97 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 120 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 120 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 121 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 16 HOURS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    The 19-year-old named the 'future' of English rugby after win against Australia A

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Anthony Watson exclusive: 'I wouldn't be surprised if England win'

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    It’s a 9.5/10 for Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

View All