Sam Arnold receives three game ban for red card tackle on Christian Leali’ifano

Munster’s Sam Arnold has been handed a three-week ban after being sent off in the Pro 14 derby defeat to Ulster in Belfast on New Year’s Day.

The 21-year-old and former Ulster player was sent off by referee Sean Gallagher for a dangerous tackle on Christian Leali’ifano. It was a pivotal moment in the game as Ulster fought back from a 17-0 deficit at half time to overtake their southern rivals.

Arnold gave evidence in his defence via video conference earlier at the disciplinary hearing in Neath. The panel concluded that the tackle warranted a mid-range penalty of a six-week suspension.

Arnold, however, received the full 50 per cent mitigation, with the player’s conduct throughout the hearing and previous clean disciplinary record taken into consideration.

It his a blow for Munster as he will now miss Munster’s home game against Connacht at Thomond Park on Saturday night and the final two pool four ties in the Champions Cup away to Racing 92 and at home to Castres Olympique.