Northampton Saints' Curtis Langdon banned after red card against Munster

Northampton Saints hooker Curtis Langdon has been suspended for four matches after his red card against Munster in Saturday's Investec Champions Cup meeting at Thomond Park.

The 26-year-old was shown a red card shortly before half time by French referee Tual Trainini, after striking Munster's Tom Ahern in the head with his knee.

Ahern left the game with a head injury and spent Saturday night in hospital, and has since had to withdraw from Ireland's extended Six Nations training squad. Northampton staged second half fightback to win 26-23, setting up a last-16 rematch against Munster at Franklin's Gardens in April.

Langdon appeared before an independent disciplinary committee this week, where he accepted the red card decision, with the incident given a mid-range entry point which carries an eight-week suspension.

Taking into account the player's guilty plea and his clear disciplinary record, the committee decided to reduce the sanction by the maximum of 50% before imposing a four-week suspension.

The date when Langdon can return to play will be determined once the committee has received full details of his future playing schedule, with the Saints due to play two friendly matches during the Six Nations break.

Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.

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