Alan O'Connor, the Ulster lock, was yesterday given a three-week suspension for leaving Mark Bennett, the Glasgow centre, unconscious with a dangerous tackle.

The citing by match commissioner Murray White was upheld by a dicsiplinary panel, although the offence was ruled as "mid range" severity.

O'Connor was seen to squeeze Bennett's neck with a forearm during the early stages of last weekend's Pro12 match in Belfast.

"The committee viewed footage of the incident and considered evidence of the injuries suffered," said a spokesperson for the panel.

"The tariff is a six-week sanction. However, in the absence of any aggravating factors and in light of several compelling mitigating factors, they applied a three-week reduction."