England skipper Martin Johnson could still line out against France in next weekend's crucial Six Nations clash in Paris regardless of the outcome of today's disciplinary meeting. Johnson faces a three-man disciplinary panel in Bristol this evening which could ban him for three matches, including England's French assignment on March 2. However, a well-timed appeal against any ban imposed would free the Leicester star for the France game on Saturday week.
RFU rules stipulate that Johnson will have a 14-day window to appeal against any ban, and if he times his appeal correctly, then the RFU will not have time to organise a hearing, freeing Johnson to play. The England man has been summoned for punching Robbie Russell, who later required six stitches, during a Zurich Premiership match against Saracens a fortnight ago.
Johnson was yellow-carded by referee Dave Pearson, and fears have grown within the game that a precedent could be set if the three-man panel do decide to make an example of the England captain.
Filed by Shane Murray
