Stade Francais prop David Attoub's 70-week suspension for eye-gouging in this season's European Cup was on Thursday upheld by an independent appeals panel.

"The Independent Appeal Committee appointed to hear the appeal brought by Stade Francais Paris player David Attoub has dismissed the player's appeal," read a statement published on the website of tournament organisers European Club Rugby (ERC).

"The Independent Appeal Committee, chaired by Professor Lorne Crerar (Scotland) and also comprising Rod McKenzie (Scotland) and Robert Williams (Wales) found that Mr Attoub had not demonstrated that the original decision had been in error and therefore dismissed the appeal."

Attoub, 28, appeared before a hearing in London on Tuesday.

He was suspended from rugby until April 22, 2011, for gouging Ulster flanker Stephen Ferris during Stade's 13-23 European Cup loss to Ulster in Belfast on December 12.

The ban, which applies to all International Rugby Board (IRB) competitions, is among the heaviest ever imposed on a player by rugby union authorities.

The toughest was a life ban, reduced to five years, for Irishman Trevor Brennan, who struck an Ulster supporter when playing for Toulouse against the province in 2007.

Stade Francais have also lost their international scrum-half Julien Dupuy, banned for 24 weeks, reduced by one week on appeal, also for gouging Ferris during the same December game.

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