Saracens flanker Nathan Michelow has been banned for four matches following his dismissal in their Prem win against Newcastle.
The flanker was shown the league’s first ever ’20-minute red card’ inside the opening two minutes of the 39-17 victory for a tip tackle on Newcastle prop George McGuigan.
Under a new rule, the player who is sent off can be replaced after the 20 minutes is up.
Michelow denied a charge of lifting and/or dropping/driving an opponent at an independent panel on 1 October – and while the charge was upheld, the panel accepted he did not intend to carry out an act of foul play.
The 21-year-old missed the win against Bristol on Saturday – which was included in the ban – and is also unavailable for the trip to Harlequins on 12 October, at home to Sale on 18 October and away at Northampton on 24 October.
The back-row forward has played 30 matches for Saracens and previously captained England’s Under-20s.
He will not be available in the Prem until the visit of Bath on 30 November when the league returns after the international break next month.
