The hearing was a result of the citing complaint made after the Heineken Cup Round 6 match against Aironi Rugby on January 21.
Young was alleged to have made contact with the eyes or the eye area of Aironi wing Giulio Toniolatti, in contravention of Law 10.4(m) during the first half of the match at Welford Road. The complaint was made by Citing Commissioner, John Kirk (Scotland).
The independent judicial officer, Pat Barriscale (Ireland), heard evidence and submissions from Young, who pleaded not guilty, and from Young’s legal representative, Ray Tully.
In addition, the judicial officer heard evidence and submissions from Leicester Tigers executive director Peter Wheeler and ERC disciplinary officer Roger O’Connor.
The judicial officer upheld the citing complaint, concluding that Young had committed an act which was reckless rather than deliberate.
Employing the IRB recommended sanctions for Law 10.4(m), he decided that the offence was at the low-end entry point of 12 weeks and, having taken into account the player’s excellent record and exemplary conduct during the hearing, he granted the player mitigation of four weeks and imposed a suspension of eight weeks.
Young will be free to play on Monday, March 19. Both the player and ERC have the right to appeal the decision.
