ENGLAND HOOKER ALFIE Barbeary has been slapped with a five-week suspension after being sent-off for a dangerous tip tackle on Ireland’s John Hodnett during Tuesday’s U20 World Championship game. 

The 18-year-old was shown a straight red card for flipping Hodnett at a ruck and dropping the Munster back row on his head and neck five minutes after coming off the bench. 

Referee Damon Murphy brandished red. Source: Pablo Gasparini/INPHO

Barbeary, on the books at Wasps, appeared in front of a World Rugby Disciplinary Committee on Thursday and after being found to breach Law 9.18 [lifting and dropping an opponent], was handed a 10-week ban.

The committee reduced the sanction by the maximum 50% permitted based on the player’s early acceptance of the red card, apology, clean record and good conduct at the hearing, resulting in a five-week final suspension. 

Barbeary will now miss the remainder of England’s campaign in Argentina, as well as the first week of the 2019/20 English season. 

The player has 48 hours to appeal from the time he receives the written judicial decision, World Rugby said.

Barbeary’s dismissal came at a decisive juncture in Tuesday’s opening Pool B game in Santa Fe, before Noel McNamara’s Ireland pulled clear in the closing stages with the man advantage to record a 42-26 victory.  

England face Italy on Saturday, while Grand Slam winners Ireland play Australia.