Ireland prop John Hayes is due in front of an IRFU disciplinary panel at Ravenhill tomorrow after he was sent of for stamping on Leinster’s Cian Healy during Munster’s 30-0 defeat at the RDS on Saturday.

Hayes has been cited under law 10.4 (b) and will have to plead his case at 4pm in Belfast tomorrow to a panel chaired by Hugh Logan and including Stephen Hilditch and Neil Jackson.

The findings are expected tomorrow evening and could see Hayes, who has an exemplary record having never been sent off in a 16-year career, suspended for the forthcoming Heineken Cup games away to Northampton and at home to Perpignan at least.

The sanction may also have ramifications for Ireland’s November internationals against South Africa, Australia and Fiji.

Munster coach Tony McGahan insisted there was no malicious intent in Saturday’s incident.

“We feel that he was just trying to find the ground with his foot,” McGahan said. “We certainly feel confident that John will be held in high regard as he is and his record will speak for itself.”

McGahan is confident he has a strong squad to pull from for the upcoming Heineken Cup tie against Northampton if Hayes ends up being punished.

“Tony Buckley is an international player so we feel that he would easily be able to step into that position,” he added.

Paul O’Connell said he believed the alleged stamping had been accidental.

“I reckon Hayes probably meant to ruck the player,” he said. “It would be disappointing to lose him, he’s been great for us for a very long number of years.

“I don’t know how it’s going to go on Tuesday, we’ll have to see that, but hopefully he won’t be gone for that long.”