Northampton Saints will reportedly defend Dylan Hartley at an RFU disciplinary hearing this week after the hooker was sent off against Leicester Tigers.
The 28-year-old was dismissed for elbowing Matt Smith during the 23-19 victory at Franklin's Gardens on Saturday afternoon.
Saints coach Jim Mallinder was left unhappy with the decision, claiming that a yellow card would have sufficed.
Having already been banned four times in his career, another suspension could have a detrimental effect on Hartley's England career, although a report in the Daily Mail claims that Northampton will defend the player to the hilt during Tuesday's hearing.
The Jimmies currently lead the way in the Aviva Premiership table.
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