Crusaders prop Owen Franks has copped a two-week ban for his head-high tackle on Blues hooker James Parsons last night.
Franks' shot to the head of Parsons, which forced the Blues player from the field in the first half, was reviewed by referee Glen Jackson, who gave Franks a warning but nothing else.
However, he was later cited by Sanzaar, with the judicial committee deciding to suspend Franks for two weeks after he pled guilty to the charge of "striking a player with the arm".
His ban was reduced from a starting point of four weeks due to several reasons, explained committee chairman Nigel Hampton.
"Taking into account mitigating factors including the players good record over an extensive playing history which includes only one previous judicial sanction, his expressed remorse and apology to the other player, and the player's guilty plea at the first available opportunity, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to two weeks."
