Leinster and Ireland’s Sean O’Brien has been cleared to play it the final test.

O’Brien had been cited for allegedly striking All Blacks winger Waisake Naholo in the Lions’ 24-21 win over their hosts at the Westpac Stadium.

Following a hearing that lasted nearly four hours, O’Brien’s citing was dismissed by a disciplinary panel, clearing the way for the Leinster and Ireland flanker to take the field at Eden Park this weekend.

Australian citing commissioner Scott Nowland deemed O’Brien’s actions to have “met the threshold for a red card”, but the hearing panel did not see fit to punish the back row.

Warren Gatland on Sean O'Brien decision: "Sean is a tough but fair player and we are pleased that the panel dismissed the citing.” #NZLvBIL

— British&Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 2, 2017

Warren Gatland on S O'B: “We’d like to thank the panel for their professional and diligent approach. We are pleased with decision.” #NZLvBIL

— British&Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 2, 2017

Sean O’Brien: “Firstly, I hope Waisake is ok. I’d like to thank the panel for carefully considering the case.” #LionsNZ2017 #NZLvBIL

— British&Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 2, 2017