ZEBRE forward Renato Giammarioli has been banned for six weeks for biting Dragons number eight Harri Keddie.

The 24-year-old faced a disciplinary hearing today after being cited for the offence, which happened in the 61st minute of the Guinness PRO14 fixture at Rodney Parade last Saturday.

With the score at 27-7, Giammarioli made a carry and was tackled by Keddie, who then shoved his opposite number as they got to their feet and play went on. Irish referee George Clancy was unsighted.

The four-times capped Italy international admitted his guilt and has been banned until January 12.

South Wales Argus: BITTEN: Harri KeddieBITTEN: Harri Keddie

A PRO14 statement read: “The player was reported by the citing commissioner in charge of the round seven Guinness PRO14 fixture for alleged infringement of Law 9.12 – a player must not physically or verbally abuse anyone.

“Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to, biting, punching, contact with the eye or eye area, striking with any part of the arm (including stiff arm tackles) shoulder, head or knee(s), stamping, trampling, tipping or kicking.

“The disciplinary committee comprising of Michael Coghlan (chair), George Spotswood and Philip Orr (all Ireland), concluded that the player had committed an act of foul play (biting) that warranted a low-end entry point of 12 weeks.

“Due to the player's previous clean disciplinary record, his admittance of guilt and his good conduct throughout the process, mitigation of 50 per cent was applied resulting in a six-week ban.

“The player will be free to play from midnight on January 12, 2020.”