Dylan Hartley has been ruled out of this year’s Lions tour as he today received an 11 week suspension for his use of abusive language towards the referee in yesterday’s Aviva Premiership final.
Hartley’s exclusion now means Ulster’s Rory Best is the man most likely to benefit as he would appear to be next in line for a spot in the squad.
Hartley was sent off during yesterday's game between Northampton and Leicster for allegedly calling referee Wayne Barnes “a f****** cheat”.
A Lions statement realesed today said: "The British and Irish Lions have been informed of the sanction imposed on Dylan Hartley by an RFU disciplinary panel.
"Warren Gatland and his fellow coaches will now consider all their options before making any further announcement."
Hartley has claimed he was speaking to a player, and not Barnes.
Northampton coach Jim Wallinder backed his player, telling the BBC: "I asked Dylan at half-time and I've just asked him again 'what happened? What did you say?' He said he was talking to Tom Youngs.”
"If you talk like that to a player I wouldn't expect anything to happen. Clearly, Wayne Barnes has believed Dylan has spoken to him.
"I support Dylan. He is my captain. If he says he wasn't speaking to the referee and he was speaking to a player on the floor I can only support what he says."
Image: Dylan Hartley ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
