Jamison Gibson-Park avoids ban for high tackle after citing complaint dismissed

Jamison Gibson-Park has been cleared to play in Leinster's Champions Cup tie at home to Connacht after his citing complaint was dismissed in an independent disciplinary hearing. The Leinster and Ireland scrumhalf was issued a yellow card during last week's first leg at the Sportsground after making contact with the head of Kieran Marmion in a tackle.

The decision not to award a red card caused consternation among many pundits, but has now been vindicated with the disciplinary panel deciding that the low degree of force involved ensured a yellow card was sufficient punishment.

At the hearing, Gibson-Park contested that his act deserved a red card and the three-man panel agreed.

The news comes as a further boost to Leinster who also have Andrew Porter, Ronan Kelleher and Jordan Larmour back in training ahead of Friday’s second leg. Leo Cullen’s side hold a slim five point advantage heading into the clash at the Aviva Stadium.