Billy Vunipola's red card he received during Saracens’ Investec Champions Cup clash against the Bulls in South Africa has been overturned, leaving the number 8 free to play against Connacht on Saturday.
The England international was sent off early in the second half by Italian referee Andrea Piardi for a dangerous strike to the head area of Bulls forward Cameron Hanekom.
The 31-year-old, who appeared by video link before an independent disciplinary panel, accepted that he had committed an act of foul play, but he did not accept it warranted a red card.
Tournament organiser European Professional Club Rugby said: "The committee determined that Vunipola had committed an act of foul play.
"However, it decided that there was insufficient force in the contact to Hanekom’s head to warrant a red card, and the red card was therefore overturned.
"Vunipola is free to play immediately, and EPCR has the right to appeal the decision."
Saracens were beaten 27-16 by the Bulls in the first of their four Champions Cup pool games, while Connacht lost 41-5 to Bordeaux Begles in their opening tie.
A citing complaint against Bristol wing Kalaveti Ravouvou, meanwhile, has been dismissed.
Ravouvou was yellow-carded following a tackle on Lyon’s Alexandre Tchaptchet during a Champions Cup fixture at Ashton Gate.
EPCR added: "The committee determined that Ravouvou had committed an act of foul play and that the match officials were not wrong in issuing him with a yellow card.
"However, it decided that his actions did not warrant a red card and the citing complaint was dismissed. Ravouvou is free to play immediately."
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