Ban knocks Lions hooker out of Barbarians match in Hong Kong
Hooker Hartley lands 11-week ban on eve of historic tour to Hong Kong and Australia after accusing ref of cheating
Northampton captain Dylan Hartley will miss the British and Irish Lions' tour to Australia after being hit with an 11-week ban for verbally abusing a match official.
It means the England hooker will not turn out in the Lions' historic match against the Barbarians at Hong Kong Stadium on Saturday.
Calling a referee a cheat is an attack on his integrity and contrary to the core values
Hartley was sent off for allegedly calling referee Wayne Barnes a "f****** cheat" just before half-time in Leicester's 37-17 victory against his club in the Premiership final at Twickenham on Saturday.
The 27-year old had his case heard by a Rugby Football Union (RFU) panel headed by Judge Jeff Blackett yesterday.
The RFU confirmed their suspension rules Hartley out of the forthcoming Lions tour, although he does have the right of appeal, with Ireland's Rory Best the favourite to replace him in Warren Gatland's squad before they leave for Australia via Hong Kong today.
"We cannot get around the fact that Wayne Barnes was certain that Mr Hartley's comments were directed at him," Blackett said.
"Wayne Barnes said that if he had had any doubt in his mind, then he would have given the player the benefit of the doubt.