Connacht centre Bundee Aki has been banned for three matches following his Guinness Pro 12 disciplinary hearing.
Aki had been charged as a result of his remarks and behaviour directed towards referee Ian Davies during Connacht's recent defeat to Leinster.
While Aki has the right to appeal, he has been suspended for three matches by the disciplinary panel and will be free to return to action on May 22nd.
In a statement, the Pro 12 confirmed, "The complaint referred to Mr Aki's behaviour to and remarks directed toward, referee Ian Davies, during and immediately after the Round 20 fixture between Connacht Rugby and Leinster Rugby (April 15, 2017).
"Those actions were deemed to constitute misconduct under the tournament's Disciplinary Rules, in particular pursuant to the clauses set out in Section 3.
"Mr Aki admitted to the charge of misconduct and the Panel, chaired by Roger Morris with Simon Thomas as wing (both Wales), agreed upon a sanction of a three-match suspension.
"The player can return to play on Monday, May 22, 2017.
"Mr Aki was reminded of his right to appeal."
Connacht have two more fixtures in this season's Guinness Pro 12, with a home match against Scarlets this Saturday and trip to face Munster on the following weekend on Saturday, May 6th when Aki will still be suspended.
The return date would also mean that Aki would miss Connacht's European Champions Cup playoff fixture, which is due to take place on the weekend of May 19th-21st.
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
