Ireland lock Paul O'Connell was banned for four weeks on Thursday following his sending-off while playing for Munster in a European Cup rugby tie last weekend.

O'Connell, on as a replacement, was dismissed for punching Jonathan Thomas of the Ospreys during Munster's 22-16 Pool Three win on Sunday.

Independent judicial Jeff Blackett of England upheld the red card and ruled the act had been deliberate but that former British and Irish Lions captain O'Connell had not had any intention to injure Thomas.

Having taken into account the secondrower's previously good record, Blackett reduced the suspension from the standard five weeks to four, meaning O'Connell will be free to play again on January 10.

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