Sean O'Brien has been banned for one week for striking France's Pascal Pape during Sunday's Rugby World Cup pool clash.
The Ireland flanker was officially cited yesterday and after today's lengthy hearing, it has been confirmed that he will miss this Sunday's quarter-final against Argentina.
In a statement, World Rugby explained how they came to the decision, highlighting O'Brien's "good character".
"Following a review of available camera angles, O’Brien was cited by independent Citing Commissioner Dougie Hunter (Scotland) under Law 10.4(a) for striking with the hand, arm or fist during the Rugby World Cup 2015 Pool D match against France at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, on 11 October.
"O’Brien admitted committing an act of foul play and therefore the independent Judicial Officer Terry Willis (Australia) upheld the citing on the basis that the player had committed an act of foul play contrary to Law 10.4(a).
"Willis conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence from the player and submissions from his legal representative.
"With respect to the sanction, the Judicial Officer deemed the act of foul play merited a low-end entry point of two weeks. The Judicial Officer considered that there were no aggravating factors. The Judicial Officer took into account compelling mitigating factors including O’Brien’s conduct prior to and at the hearing, his remorse, good character and clean disciplinary record, and reduced the suspension to a period of one week.
"In the context of the Rugby World Cup tournament a week equates to one match. The suspension takes effect immediately, therefore O’Brien is suspended for Ireland’s quarter-final match against Argentina on Sunday, 18 October, 2015. He is free to resume playing on 19 October, 2015.
"The player has 48 hours in which to appeal from receipt of the written decision."
Ireland play Argentina in the quarter-finals this Sunday, while a potential semi-final is scheduled for the following Sunday if Ireland progress past the Pumas.
The World Cup final is six days later on October 31st at Twickenham.
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