Following nearly three hours of deliberation the citing was upheld and the following statement issued.

"Alan Quinlan, the Munster back row forward, appeared before an independent Disciplinary Committee in Dublin today (Wednesday, 20 December), as a result of a citing arising from the Round 4 Heineken Cup Pool 4 match against Cardiff Blues at Thomond Park on Saturday, 16 December, 2006.

The citing lodged by the Citing Commissioner for the match, Alan Mansell (England), was for alleged stamping - contravention of Law 10.4 (b).

The independent Disciplinary Committee was chaired by Christopher Quinlan (England) and also comprised Bruce Reece-Russel (England) and Iain Goodall (Scotland).

Following an admission of guilt by the player, the Committee upheld the citing for stamping and determined the appropriate period of suspension as being a period of six (6) weeks to run from today (Wednesday, 20 December) up to and including 30 January, 2007.

Both parties were advised of their right to appeal."

What exactly Cardiff Blues might have to appeal is not clear but it is believed that Munster will appeal the severity of the suspension.