George North's reckless challenge could have been an eight-week suspension

Ospreys winger George North has picked up a heavy ban for the reckless challenge he made in the Guinness PRO14 fixture with Dragons Rugby on Sunday, August 23.

North was shown a red card by referee Adam Jones under Law 9.17 – A player must not tackle, charge, pull, push or grasp an opponent whose feet are off the ground. He accepted that his actions warranted a red card for foul play.

The incident was deemed a mid-range offence, which carries an eight-week suspension.

North’s previous clean disciplinary record, acceptance of his actions and remorse shown warranted application of maximum (50 per cent) mitigation, bringing his ban to four weeks. As the 2020/21 season fixtures are not yet finalised, the ban will span over the course of four meaningful games.

The disciplinary process for the red card offence was presided over by Judicial Officer Roddy MacLeod (SRU). 

North was reminded of his right to appeal.

View the incident a minute into the highlights, or if not geo-blocked, in the tweet below that:

https://youtu.be/dwi7WrUwLEQ?t=64

Rollercoaster 10 minutes for @George_North as he scores the opener then sees red after a clumsy mid-air tackle… 🔴

How will that affect the game for @dragonsrugby and @ospreys?

🇬🇧 Watch Live Now on @PremierSportsTV
🇮🇪 Watch Live Now on @eirSport#GuinnessPRO14 #OSPvDRA pic.twitter.com/J8l9SoLPGg

— PRO14 RUGBY (@PRO14Official) August 23, 2020