Hazell: Faces a lengthy ban

Former England player Hazell was red carded in the 55th minute by referee Neil Hennessy for punching Sebastien Ormaechea while video footage also showed Hazell aiming his knee at the player's head during Gloucester's 11-6 win at Stade Guy Boniface.

This is a contravention of Law 10.4 (a) which refers to the striking of another player with the hand, arm, fist or knee.

For the use of the hand, arm or fist, the penalties vary from two weeks at the very least through a mid-range suspension of five weeks and a maximum of eight to 52 weeks.

If the knee has been used, the lower end ban is three weeks in duration, through an eight-week mid-range ban with 12 to 52 weeks the highest end of the scale.

Roger Morris has been appointed as the independent Judicial Officer for the hearing which has been set for October 26 after Gloucester requested a postponement although Hazell will be ineligible to play until the completion of the disciplinary process.

Following the game the English side referred a number of incidents to the citing commissioner John West but he determined there was no evidence to support any citings.