At the hearing, Quinlan admitted the offence but Munster officials and their legal representative were surprised by the severity of the suspension given the nature of the incident and it is believed on that basis that the appeal has been lodged.

In November, Chris Budgen the Northampton Saints prop was cited for a similar offence, (Law 10.4 b) and was found guilty. However, that Committee determined that the offence did not warrant a red card and decided no sanction should be imposed.

Similarly, Trevor Brennan escaped sanction when it was again determined his offence (contravening Law 10.4 b) didn't warrant a red card while Leinster lock Owen Finnegan had a suspension of 21 days imposed after being found guilty of stamping.

Ospreys lock, Brent Cockbain was cited for stamping in the game against Sale Sharks and pleaded guilty to "an act of foul play", That particular Disciplinary Committee took into consideration, "strong mitigating factors" before imposing a 20 day suspension.