Dylan Hartley handed 11-week ban

Dylan Hartley has been given an 11-week ban following his red card in the final of the Aviva Premiership yesterday afternoon.

The Northampton Saints captain was sent off just before half time, having allegedly called referee Wayne Barnes a "cheat".

Hartley claimed that he had aimed the comments at Tom Youngs of Leicester Tigers, but the RFU disciplinary committee rejected his version of events.

The ban will prevent the flanker from taking part in the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia next month.

Hartley can appeal against the decision.