Saracens flanker Toby Knight has been given a three-match ban after being sent off during their defeat by Bath last Saturday.
Knight, 22, was shown a red card in the 14th minute for a “reckless” high tackle on Bath’s Ollie Lawrence that saw shoulder contact to the head.
His ban will be reduced to two games if he completes the World Rugby coaching intervention programme.
Knight admitted there had been foul play but denied that the offence warranted a red card at a disciplinary hearing on 2 January, citing a change in direction by Lawrence prior to contact and an attempt to reduce his height in the tackle.
Saracens went on to lose the game 68-10, conceding 10 tries in their biggest Premiership defeat by Bath.
The 22-year-old will miss Saracens’ Premiership match with Bristol on 4 January and a Champions Cup games away at Munster, as well as possibly a home European game to Castres.
His suspension follows a six-match ban given to team-mate Hugh Tizard for dangerous play during last month’s game against Newcastle Falcons – although he has already sat out four of those games.
